Mammography is specialized medical imaging that uses a low-dose x-ray system to see inside the breasts. It aids in the early detection and diagnosis of breast diseases in women. It is used as a screening tool to detect early breast cancer in women experiencing no symptoms. They can also be used to detect and diagnose breast disease in women experiencing symptoms such as a lump, pain, skin dimpling or nipple discharge. It is the preferred screening examination for breast cancer as it is widely available, well-tolerated and inexpensive.
Screening Mammography
Mammography plays a central part in early detection of breast cancers because it can show changes in the breast up to two years before a patient or physician can feel them. Current guidelines by the American Cancer Society, the American College of Radiology, the American College of Surgeons, and the American …show more content…
What will I experience during and after the procedure?
You will feel pressure or discomfort on your breast as it is squeezed by the compression paddle. Be sure to inform the technologist if pain occurs as compression is increased. If discomfort is significant, less compression will be used.
Follow-up examinations may be necessary at times because a suspicious or questionable finding needs clarification with additional views or a special imaging technique.
What are the limitations of Mammography?
Five percent to 15 percent of screening mammograms require more testing such as additional mammograms or ultrasound. Most of these tests turn out to be normal. If there is an abnormal finding, a follow-up or biopsy may have to be performed.
Interpretations of mammograms can be difficult because a normal breast looks different for each woman. Also, the appearance of an image may be compromised if there is powder or salve on the breasts or if you have undergone breast surgery.
. It is very important to realize that not all breast cancers can be seen on
Screening Mammography
Mammography plays a central part in early detection of breast cancers because it can show changes in the breast up to two years before a patient or physician can feel them. Current guidelines by the American Cancer Society, the American College of Radiology, the American College of Surgeons, and the American …show more content…
What will I experience during and after the procedure?
You will feel pressure or discomfort on your breast as it is squeezed by the compression paddle. Be sure to inform the technologist if pain occurs as compression is increased. If discomfort is significant, less compression will be used.
Follow-up examinations may be necessary at times because a suspicious or questionable finding needs clarification with additional views or a special imaging technique.
What are the limitations of Mammography?
Five percent to 15 percent of screening mammograms require more testing such as additional mammograms or ultrasound. Most of these tests turn out to be normal. If there is an abnormal finding, a follow-up or biopsy may have to be performed.
Interpretations of mammograms can be difficult because a normal breast looks different for each woman. Also, the appearance of an image may be compromised if there is powder or salve on the breasts or if you have undergone breast surgery.
. It is very important to realize that not all breast cancers can be seen on