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Mammography    See images

Overview | Risks | Results

Alternative names:

Mammogram

Definition:

A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breasts. It isused to detect tumors and cysts and help differentiate benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) disease.

How the Test is Performed

You will be asked to undress from the waist up and 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, and a device called a compressor will be pressed firmly against the breast to help flatten out the breast tissue. The X-ray pictures are taken from several angles. You may be asked to hold your breath while the picture is taken.

How to Prepare for the Test

Deodorant, perfume, powders and ointments under the arms or on the breasts may cause the pictures to be obscured and should not be worn the day of the mammogram. Remove all jewelry from the neck. Notify your health care provider (and/or the radiologist) if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

How the Test will Feel

When the breast is compressed, there may be some discomfort.

Why the Test is Performed

The test is performed if a woman has symptoms of a breast disease such as a lump, nipple discharge, breast pain, dimpling of the skin on the breast, or a new retraction of the nipple.

Screening mammograms are important for early breast cancer detection, even when you don't have symptoms. The American Cancer Society recommends mammogram screening every year for all women age 40 and older. The National Cancer Institute recommends mammogram screening every 1-2 years for women age 40 and older.

In addition to mammography, clinical breast exams (where the clinician palpates with the fingers) and breast self-exam are important for breast cancer screening. Women age 20 and older should receive clinical beast exams every three years; women age 40 and older should receive clinical breast exams every year. The American Cancer Society recommends that all women age 20 and older perform monthly breast self exam.

These are general recommendations for mammography, clinical breast exams, and breast self exam. Women should discuss with their personal physician how often to receive breast cancer screening, including mammography and clinical breast exam. Recommendations can vary depending on personal risk factors such a strong family history of breast cancer.

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