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Mammogram
Mammography; Breast cancer - mammography; Breast cancer - screening mammography; Breast lump - mammogram; Breast tomosynthesis
A mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breasts. It is used to find breast tumors and cancer.
x-ray
X-rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation, just like visible light. An x-ray machine sends individual x-ray particles through the body. The im...
How the Test is Performed
You will be asked to undress from the waist up. You will be given a gown to wear. Depending on the type of equipment used, you will sit or stand.
One breast at a time is rested on a flat surface that contains the x-ray plate. A device called a compressor will be pressed firmly against the breast. This helps flatten the breast tissue.
The x-ray pictures are taken from several angles. You may be asked to hold your breath as each picture is taken.
You may be asked to come back at a later date for more mammogram images. This does not always mean you have breast cancer. Your health care provider may simply need to recheck an area that could not be clearly seen on the first test.
TYPES OF MAMMOGRAPHY
Traditional mammography uses film, similar to routine x-rays.
Digital mammography is a newer technique:
- It is now used in many breast screening centers.
- It allows the x-ray image of the breast to be viewed and manipulated on a computer screen.
- It may be more accurate in younger women with dense breasts. It has not yet been proven to help reduce a woman's risk of dying of breast cancer compared to film mammography.
Three-dimensional (3D) mammography is a type of digital mammography. Researchers do not yet know whether 3D mammography is more or less accurate than standard mammogram.
How to Prepare for the Test
DO NOT use deodorant, perfume, powders, or ointments under your arms or on your breasts on the day of the mammogram. These substances may hide the images. Remove all jewelry from your neck and chest area.
Tell your provider and the x-ray technologist if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you've had a breast biopsy.
How the Test will Feel
The compressor surfaces may feel cold. When the breast is pressed down, you may have some pain. This needs to be done to get good quality images.
Why the Test is Performed
When and how often to have a screening mammogram is a choice you must make. Different expert groups do not fully agree on the best timing for this test.
Before having a mammogram, talk to your provider about the pros and cons of having the test. Ask about:
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Your
risk for breast cancer
Risk for breast cancer
Breast cancer is cancer that starts in the tissues of the breast. There are 2 main types of breast cancer:Ductal carcinoma starts in the tubes (duct...
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- Whether there is any harm from breast cancer screening, such as side effects from testing or overtreatment of cancer when it's discovered
Mammography is performed to screen women to detect early breast cancer when it is more likely to be cured. Mammography is generally recommended for:
- Women starting at age 40, repeated every 1 to 2 years. (This is not recommended by all expert organizations.)
- All women starting at age 50, repeated every 1 to 2 years.
- Women with a mother or sister who had breast cancer at a younger age should consider yearly mammograms. They should begin earlier than the age at which their youngest family member was diagnosed.
Mammography is also used to:
- Follow a woman who has had an abnormal mammogram.
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Evaluate a woman who has symptoms of a breast disease. These symptoms may include a lump, nipple discharge,
breast pain
, dimpling of the skin on the breast, changes of the nipple, or other findings.
Breast pain
Breast pain is any discomfort or pain in the breast.
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Normal Results
Breast tissue that shows no signs of a mass or calcifications is considered normal.
Calcifications
Calcifications are tiny deposits of calcium in your breast tissue. They are often seen on a mammogram.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Most abnormal findings on a screening mammogram turn out to be benign (not cancer) or nothing to worry about. New findings or changes must be further evaluated.
A radiology doctor (radiologist) may see the following types of findings on a mammogram:
- A well-outlined, regular, clear spot (this is more likely to be a noncancerous condition, such as a cyst)
- Masses or lumps
- Dense areas in the breast that can be breast cancer or hide breast cancer
-
Calcifications
, which are caused by tiny deposits of calcium in the breast tissue (most calcifications are not a sign of cancer)
Calcifications
Calcifications are tiny deposits of calcium in your breast tissue. They are often seen on a mammogram.
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At times, the following tests are also needed to further examine mammogram findings:
- Additional mammogram views, called magnification or compression views
- Breast ultrasound
-
Breast MRI exam
(less commonly done)
Breast MRI exam
A breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the breast and sur...
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Comparing your current mammogram to your past mammograms helps the radiologist tell whether you had an abnormal finding in the past and whether it has changed.
When mammogram or ultrasound results look suspicious, a biopsy is done to test the tissue and see if it is cancerous. Types of biopsies include:
-
Stereotactic
Stereotactic
A breast biopsy is the removal of breast tissue to examine it for signs of breast cancer or other disorders. There are several types of breast biops...
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Ultrasound
Ultrasound
A breast biopsy is the removal of breast tissue to examine it for signs of breast cancer or other disorders. There are several types of breast biopsi...
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Risks
The level of radiation is low and any risk from mammography is very low. If you are pregnant and need to have an abnormality checked, your belly area will be covered and protected by a lead apron.
Routine screening mammography is not done during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
References
American Cancer Society. American Cancer Society Recommendations for Early Breast Cancer Detection in Women Without Breast Symptoms. Updated October 20, 2015. www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/moreinformation/breastcancerearlydetection/breast-cancer-early-detection-acs-recs . Accessed March 17, 2016.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). ACOG statement on breast cancer screening guidelines. Updated 2016. www.acog.org/About-ACOG/News-Room/Statements/2016/ACOG-Statement-on-Breast-Cancer-Screening-Guidelines . Accessed March 17, 2016.
National Cancer Institute: PDQ Breast Cancer Screening. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute. Updated March 4, 2016. www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/screening/breast/healthprofessional . Accessed March 9, 2016.
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Final Update Summary: Breast Cancer: Screening. Updated February 2016. www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/Page/Document/UpdateSummaryFinal/breast-cancer-screening1 . Accessed March 17, 2016.
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Female Breast - illustration
The female breast is either of two mammary glands (organs of milk secretion) on the chest.
Female Breast
illustration
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Breast lumps - illustration
Less than one-fourth of all breast lumps are found to be cancerous, but benign breast disease can be difficult to distinguish from cancer. Consequently, all breast lumps should be checked by a health care professional.
Breast lumps
illustration
-
Causes of breast lumps - illustration
Most breast lumps are benign (non-cancerous), as in fibroadenoma, a condition that mostly affects women under age 30. Fibrocystic breast changes occur in more than 60% of all women. Fibrocystic breast cysts change in size with the menstrual cycle, whereas a lump from fibroadenoma does not. While most breast lumps are benign, it is important to identify those that are not. See your health care provider if a lump is new, persistent, growing, hard, immobile, or causing skin deformities.
Causes of breast lumps
illustration
-
Mammary gland - illustration
The anatomy of the breast includes the lactiferous, or milk ducts, and the mammary lobules.
Mammary gland
illustration
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Abnormal discharge from the nipple - illustration
Abnormal nipple discharge may be described as any discharge not associated with lactation. The nature of the discharge may range in color, consistency and composition, and occur in one or both breasts.
Abnormal discharge from the nipple
illustration
-
Fibrocystic breast disease - illustration
Fibrocystic breast disease is a common and benign change within the breast characterized by a dense irregular and bumpy consistency in the breast tissue. Mammography or biopsy may be needed to rule out other disorders.
Fibrocystic breast disease
illustration
-
Mammogram - illustration
Mammography is a low-powered x-ray technique that captures a picture of the internal structure of the breast. Additional angles and magnified views are taken of suspicious areas. A mammogram may help in the diagnosis of breast problems, including cancer. It is recommended a woman have a baseline mammogram at age 40, followed by a mammogram every couple of years until age 50. After 50, a woman should have a mammogram every year.
Mammogram
illustration
-
Female Breast - illustration
The female breast is either of two mammary glands (organs of milk secretion) on the chest.
Female Breast
illustration
-
Breast lumps - illustration
Less than one-fourth of all breast lumps are found to be cancerous, but benign breast disease can be difficult to distinguish from cancer. Consequently, all breast lumps should be checked by a health care professional.
Breast lumps
illustration
-
Causes of breast lumps - illustration
Most breast lumps are benign (non-cancerous), as in fibroadenoma, a condition that mostly affects women under age 30. Fibrocystic breast changes occur in more than 60% of all women. Fibrocystic breast cysts change in size with the menstrual cycle, whereas a lump from fibroadenoma does not. While most breast lumps are benign, it is important to identify those that are not. See your health care provider if a lump is new, persistent, growing, hard, immobile, or causing skin deformities.
Causes of breast lumps
illustration
-
Mammary gland - illustration
The anatomy of the breast includes the lactiferous, or milk ducts, and the mammary lobules.
Mammary gland
illustration
-
Abnormal discharge from the nipple - illustration
Abnormal nipple discharge may be described as any discharge not associated with lactation. The nature of the discharge may range in color, consistency and composition, and occur in one or both breasts.
Abnormal discharge from the nipple
illustration
-
Fibrocystic breast disease - illustration
Fibrocystic breast disease is a common and benign change within the breast characterized by a dense irregular and bumpy consistency in the breast tissue. Mammography or biopsy may be needed to rule out other disorders.
Fibrocystic breast disease
illustration
-
Mammogram - illustration
Mammography is a low-powered x-ray technique that captures a picture of the internal structure of the breast. Additional angles and magnified views are taken of suspicious areas. A mammogram may help in the diagnosis of breast problems, including cancer. It is recommended a woman have a baseline mammogram at age 40, followed by a mammogram every couple of years until age 50. After 50, a woman should have a mammogram every year.
Mammogram
illustration
Review Date: 2/11/2016
Reviewed By: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
