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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
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NetWellness experts receive many questions about mammograms. Mammograms are the most popular diagnostic tool for breast cancer. It is a process in which x-rays are taken of your breast to reveal abnormal tissues. There are two situations in which mammography is used:
Screening mammography is used to detect breast changes in women who have no signs or symptoms or observable breast abnormalities. The goal is to detect cancer before any clinical signs are noticeable. This usually requires at least two mammograms from different angles of each breast.
Diagnostic mammography is used to investigate suspicious breast changes such as a breast lump, breast pain, an unusual skin appearance, nipple thickening or nipple discharge. It's also used to evaluate abnormal findings on a screening mammogram. Additional images can be made from other angles or focus on areas of concern at higher magnification.
Though it is of course important to have a mammography when you already believe you have found something abnormal, it is also important that you have mammographies on a regular basis if you are at medium to high risk of developing breast cancer even if you do not suspect anything unusual yet. This will allow you to detect anything unusual even before you yourself notice it. Below are guidelines for performing screening mammograms.
If you're age 20 to 39 and at average risk of breast cancer, you don't need screening mammograms yet.
If you're age 20 to 39 and at high risk of breast cancer, you may benefit by beginning screening mammograms. Talk to your doctor for an individualized program. Your doctor may also recommend other screening methods, such as whole breast ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging in combination with mammography. Your doctor may recommend these screening options based on your risk factors and your degree of breast density.
If you're age 40 or older, you should have screening mammograms every year. This is true for women both at average risk and at high risk of breast cancer.
For some people mammograms will need to become part of their regular medical routine. Luckily mammograms are relatively fast and should be only slightly uncomfortable at worst. Here’s how a mammogram works:
At the testing facility, you're given a gown and asked to remove neck jewelry and clothing from the waist up. It's a good idea to wear a two-piece outfit that day. Avoid the use of anti-perspirants or deodorants until after the mammograms are finished.
For the procedure itself, you stand in front of an X-ray machine specially designed for mammography. The technician places one of your breasts on a platform that holds the X-ray film and raises or lowers the platform to match your height. The technician helps you position your head, arms and torso to allow an unobstructed view of your breast.
Your breast is gradually pressed against the platform by a clear plastic plate. Pressure is applied for a few seconds to spread out the breast tissue. The pressure isn't harmful, but you may find it uncomfortable or even painful. If you have too much discomfort, inform the technician. Your breast must be compressed to even out its thickness and permit the X-rays to penetrate the breast tissue. The pressure also holds your breast still to decrease blurring from movement and minimizes the dose of radiation needed. During the brief X-ray exposure, you'll be asked to stand still and hold your breath.
After images are made of both your breasts, you may be asked to wait while the technician checks the quality of the images. If the views are inadequate for technical reasons, you may have to repeat part of the test. The entire procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes. Afterward, you may dress and resume normal activity.
Breast cancer is a serious disease but it is treatable if caught early on. The NetWellness features listed below contain information regarding general breast health.
This article is a NetWellness exclusive. 
Last Reviewed: Sep 26, 2006
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Jennifer B Manders, MD Assistant Professor Division of Surgical Oncology Department of Surgery College of Medicine University of Cincinnati |
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Please note: only your personal physician or other health professional you consult can best advise you on matters of your health based on your medical history, your family medical history, your medication history, and how information from any of these databases may apply to you. Neither University of Cincinnati (NetWellness) nor any party involved in creating, producing or delivering this web site shall be liable for any damages arising out of access to or use of this web site, or any errors or omissions in the content thereof. (More) |