Mammogram Screening

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Mammogram screening are currently the best way to identify the signs of breast cancer before other major symptoms occur. This screening is a specific type of x-ray that shows variations in breast tissue, indicating potential abnormality.

Just like an x-ray of a bone shows areas of light and dark, indicating abnormalities, so does a mammogram. This screening is performed to identify signs of cancerous cell growth. However, mammography can pick up a number of breast conditions. These include:

• Calcifications, tiny clusters of calcium particles in breast tissue. These can sometimes indicate the early signs of breast cancer.
• Macrocalcifications, larger clusters of calcium particles most often represent non-cancerous breast cell activity.
• Cysts, fluid-filled sacs in breast tissue. This is a common condition that typically does not indicate breast cancer, nor an increased risk of the disease.
• Fibroadenomas, movable, solid lumps formed from normal breast cells. They are not cancerous.
• Non-invasive breast cancer. This condition is referred to as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). It involves breast cancer cells that are localized in the milk ducts only.
• Invasive breast cancer cells do not stay within a localized region, but spread through the breast tissue. On a mammogram, this may look like a white mass with fuzzy borders.

It is generally recommended that women begin scheduling yearly mammograms starting at age 40. After age 55, barring known risk factors, women may reduce screenings to every two years. 

Getting a mammogram takes only about half an hour in most cases. Once a woman arrives for her screening, she can expect the following:

• To remove clothing from the waist up. A robe that opens in the front is worn during the screening.
• The mammogram technologist may ask about any abnormalities in the breast, such as lumps. Known abnormalities are marked to indicate the area the radiologist should observe closely.
• To be positioned in front of the mammogram machine with one breast exposed. The technologist adjusts one plate to support the breast from below. An upper place is adjusted to gently compress breast tissue. This holds tissue secure and also minimizes the amount of radiation that is needed to obtain accurate images.
• The technologist may take several images from different views. This may require adjustment of the breast.
• After the first breast has been screened, the same process is repeated for the other breast.
• When the screening is done, the patient may be asked to wait a short time while films are reviewed. Sometimes, the radiologist requests additional images.