Mammogram

• Mammogram Introduction
• Risks
• Mammogram Preparation
• During the Procedure
• After the Procedure
• Next Steps
• Breast Cancer Prevention
• Risk Factors for Breast Cancer
• For More Information
• Web Links
• References
• Authors and Editors

Mammogram Introduction

A mammogram is a special x-ray examination of the breast made with specific x-ray equipment that can often find tumors too small to be felt. A mammogram is the best radiographic method available today to detect breast cancer early. It is ideal and indispensable for women older than 40 years, for whom the risk of breast cancer is increased.

A woman may experience significant distress, anxiety, and fear associated with the mammogram and with the prospect of discovering a tumor. Be reassured that the procedure itself is relatively simple. Most breast disorders are not cancer, and even in the remaining number of cancer cases, more than 90% are curable, if detected early and promptly treated.

Although mammograms, like many other medical tests, are not 100% accurate, scheduling a regular mammogram represents the best radiological way to find breast changes early before there are any obvious signs or symptoms of cancer. Several studies show that mammogram can reduce breast cancer deaths by more than a third.

How a mammogram is performed

Mammography is performed with a specialized mammography x-ray machine, to get a clear x-ray exposure and breast compression. Film processing and development are rigorously controlled to get the best image quality.

Mammography is not painful. Some women feel a light and momentary discomfort only due to the delicate pressing system for the breast, which is necessary in order to obtain clear and precise images. Mammograms are used to diagnose breast changes or abnormalities detected through breast self-exam and clinical examination, often with more than 2 views taken, and as a preventive screening for women to detect unsuspected cancer.

• To visualize the internal structure of the breast, 2 x-rays are taken for each breast. These views (or projections) clearly show the structure of the breast.
  
  
• Using the 2 standard projections, the craniocaudal (head-to-toe) view allows a better imaging of the central and medial (inner) breast sectors (excluding the breast tissue that extends under the arm). The mediolateral view is the more important because it shows all of the gland.

History of the procedure

Mammography started in 1960, but modern mammography has existed only since 1969 when the first x-ray units dedicated to breast imaging were available. By 1976, mammography as a screening device became standard practice. Its value in diagnosis was recognized. Mammography continues to improve as lower doses of radiation are detecting even smaller potential problems earlier.

Many research centers are developing several new technologies to detect breast tumors and to improve conventional mammography, even including digital mammography, where computers assist in the interpretation of the x-rays.