- A mammogram is a test that is done to
look for any abnormalities, or problems, with a woman's breasts. The test
uses a special x-ray machine to take pictures of both breasts. The results
are recorded on film that your health care provider can examine.
Mammograms look for breast lumps and changes in breast tissue that may
develop into problems over time. They can find small lumps or growths that
a health care provider or woman can't feel when doing a physical breast
exam. Breast lumps or growths can be benign (not cancer) or malignant
(cancer). If a lump is found, a health care provider will order a biopsy,
a test where a small amount of tissue is taken from the lump and area
around the lump. The tissue is sent to a lab to look for cancer or changes
that may mean cancer is likely to develop. Finding breast cancer early
means that a woman has a better chance of surviving the disease. There are
also more choices for treatment when breast cancer is found early.
Types of mammograms?
There are two reasons mammograms are taken:- Screening mammograms are done for
women who have no symptoms of breast cancer.
- Diagnostic mammograms are done
when a woman has symptoms of breast cancer or a breast lump. Diagnostic
mammograms take longer than screening mammograms because more pictures of
the breast are taken.
A new way of doing mammograms, called digital mammography, records
x-ray images on a computer, rather than film. It can reduce exposure to
radiation, allow the person taking the x-ray to make adjustments without
having to take another mammogram, and takes pictures of the entire breast
even if the denseness of the breast tissue varies.
Are mammograms safe?
A mammogram is a safe, low-dose x-ray of the breast. A high-quality
mammogram, along with clinical breast exam (exam done by a professional
health care provider) are the most effective tools for detecting breast
cancer early.
How is a mammogram done?
You stand in front of a special x-ray machine. The person who takes the
x-rays (always a woman) places your breasts (one at a time) between two
plastic plates. The plates press your breast and make it flat. You will
feel pressure on your breast for a few seconds. It may cause you some
discomfort, feeling like squeezing or pinching. But, the flatter your
breasts, the better the picture. Most often, two pictures are taken of
each breast - one from the side and one from above. The whole thing takes
only a few minutes.
How is a mammogram done in a woman with breast
implants?
If you have breast implants, be sure to tell your mammography facility
that you have them. You will need an x-ray technician who is trained in
x-raying patients with implants. This is important because breast implants
can hide some breast tissue, which could make if difficult for the
radiologist to see breast cancer when looking at your mammograms. For this
reason, to take a mammogram of a breast with an implant, the x-ray
technician might gently lift the breast tissue slightly away from the
implant.
How often should I get a mammogram?
Women over 40 should get a mammogram every 1 to 2 years.Women who have had
breast cancer or breast problems, or with a family history of breast
cancer may need to start having mammograms at a younger age or more often.
Talk to your health care provider about how often you should get a
mammogram. Be aware that mammograms don't take the place of getting breast
exams from a health care provider and examining your own breasts.
If you find a lump or see changes in your breast, talk to your health care
provider right away no matter what your age. Your health care provider may
order a mammogram for you to get a better look at your breast changes.
How can I get ready for my mammogram?
First, check with the place you are having the mammogram for any special
things you may need to do before you go. Here are some general guidelines
to follow:
-Make your mammogram appointment for one week after your period. Your
breasts hurt less after your period.
- Wear a shirt with shorts, pants, or a skirt. That way you can undress
from the waist up and leave your shorts, pants, or skirt on when you get
your mammogram.
-Don't wear any deodorant, perfume, lotion, or powder under your arms or
on your breasts on the day of your mammogram appointment. These things can
make shadows show up on your mammogram.
Are there any problems with mammograms?
As with any medical test, mammograms can have limits. These limits
include:
- Mammograms are only part of a complete breast exam. If they show
abnormalities your health care provider will follow-up with other tests.
- False negatives can happen. This means everything may look normal, but
cancer is actually present. False negatives don't happen often. Younger
women are more likely to have a false negative mammogram than are older
women. This is because the breast tissue is denser, making cancer harder
to spot.
- False positives can happen. This is when the mammogram results look like
cancer is present, even though it is not. False positives are more common
in younger women than older women.
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