Mammography involves taking an X-ray image of the breast tissue. Although women over 40 should undergo annual mammograms, a doctor may specifically recommend this procedure to screen for signs of breast cancer in women of varying ages.
What Is Mammography?
Mammography uses a low dose of ionizing radiation to capture a picture of breast tissue. This non-invasive standard procedure can detect signs of breast cancer in female patients.
Today, technological advancements have resulted in multiple uses of mammography:
- Digital Mammography: Also known as full-field digital mammography, where X-ray results are converted into a crisper, digital image of the breast tissue. It uses a lower dose of radiation and digitally stores the images for a radiologist to reference.
- Computer-Aided Detection (CAD) Mammography: This diagnostic procedure involves reviewing digitized images to identify key signs of breast cancer. For instance, it helps detect, abnormal density, mass changes and calcification.
- 3-D Mammography: Also known as breast tomosynthesis, where multiple images are taken from a range of angles to develop a three-dimensional, digital reproduction of the breast. Three-dimensional mammography is said to have the highest detection rate for smaller and multiple tumors, as it allows for clearer imaging of all abnormalities.
During the procedure, a mammography unit generates X-rays while a device presses down on the breast for images to be taken at multiple angles. The patient stands in front of this machine, which generates a small amount of radiation that passes through the tissue. For 3-D mammography, the X-ray tube will move in an arc formation over each breast.
Types of Mammography
This technology is used for the following types of diagnostic procedures:
- Screening Mammography: Patients should undergo annual screenings from age 40 to identify breast cancer early, when it’s more likely to respond to therapies. Those with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer are advised to start earlier and may also undergo a breast MRI. This method can identify signs of all forms of breast cancer, including ductal and invasive lobular variations.
- Diagnostic Mammography: Patients who have findings on a screening mammogram or who exhibit signs of breast cancer, such as a lump, skin changes or nipple discharge will be steered toward this procedure.
Who Should Have This Procedure?
Routine screening mammography procedures help identify and lower breast cancer-related fatalities among women 40 to 70. Along with age-associated screenings, patients are encouraged to schedule imaging if they have symptoms of breast cancer or a family history of the disease.
When the growths are detected early and smaller in size, the patient has more treatment options available and early treatment is also more likely to respond. Should an abnormality be identified, additional diagnostic procedures will be scheduled to confirm if a growth is benign or malignant.
Mammography on its own may not be enough to identify abnormalities or may not be ideal for certain patients:
- Breast tissue is not uniform across all female patients. For those with denser breast tissue, mammography by itself may not be sufficient to identify all abnormalities. Ultrasound may be used to supplement the mammogram.
- Patients who powder or add lotion to their breasts may have a higher likelihood of abnormal or inconclusive results. Repeat imaging may be needed.
- Mammography picks up on certain types of breast cancers better than others. MRI or Ultrasound may be used in addition to mammography.
- Breast implants can complicate imaging, as saline and silicone materials can obscure surrounding tissue.
- Imaging may also identify breast surgery results as an abnormality.
How to Prepare for Mammography
Patients are advised to speak with their doctor about any changes or issues with their breasts and to inform them of hormone use, a personal history of breast cancer and any previous surgical procedures. Due to radiation risks, women should disclose if they are or think they may be pregnant ahead of time.
On the day of the procedure, you’ll be asked to remove any metal objects including jewelry, watches, dental devices and hearing aids. Arrive in loose, comfortable clothing but you may be asked to change into a gown. Due to the potential risks, refrain from using deodorant, talcum powder and lotion on the day of your mammogram.
Furthermore, schedule your mammogram the week before your next period if you typically experience breast tenderness during this time.
As the procedure begins, your breasts will be positioned on a plate-like platform and compressed with a paddle-shaped device, to the point they appear almost flat. This evens the tissue to better visualize abnormalities and reduces the chances breast tissue will obscure a growth.
During the procedure, you’ll be asked to remain still and hold your breath to avoid blurriness or scattering the X-rays. To obtain multiple angles, you will change positions at least once. This process is repeated for the second breast.
A technologist will be in another room or behind a screen as the procedure takes place, communicating the steps over a speaker. Afterwards, the radiologist will examine the images, comparing them with previous mammograms if available, and will discuss the findings with your doctor. It can take up to a few days for you to receive your results.
Depending on the results, your doctor may recommend follow-up diagnostic procedures if the images identified an abnormality.
Has your doctor recommended a mammogram? Contact Midstate Radiology Associates to make an appointment today.
