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Conditions treated: Cancer, Breast Cancer
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Mammogram Guide
- Summary
- Definition
- Considerations
- Other Names
- How the Test is Performed
- How the Test will Feel
- How to Prepare for the Test
- Normal Results
- Risks
- What Abnormal Results Mean
- Why the Test is Performed
- References
Definition
A mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breasts. It is used to find tumors and to help tell the difference between non-cancerous ( benign ) and cancerous (malignant) disease.
Other Names
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. 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. ...
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Definition
A mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breasts. It is used to find tumors and to help tell the difference between non-cancerous ( benign ) and cancerous (malignant) disease.
Considerations
Mammography is important because it can, in some cases, detect breast cancers before you can feel them with your fingers.
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. 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 as each picture is taken. Digital mammography is a recent technique that allows the x-ray image of the breast to be viewed and manipulated on a computer screen. It improves accuracy a little bit, but is not yet performed everywhere.
How the Test will Feel
When the breast is compressed, there may be some discomfort.
How to Prepare for the Test
Do not wear deodorant, perfume, powders, or ointments under the arms or on the breasts on the day of the mammogram. These substances may obscure the images. Remove all jewelry from your neck and chest area. Notify your health care provider and the radiologist if you are pregnant or breastfeeding .
Normal Results
Breast tissue that shows no evidence of mass (aggregations of cells) or calcification is considered normal.
Risks
The level of radiation is low and any risk from mammography is exceedingly low. If you are pregnant and need to have an abnormality checked, the abdominal area will be shielded by a lead apron.
What Abnormal Results Mean
A well-outlined, regular, clear spot is more likely to be a non-cancerous lesion such as a cyst. A poorly outlined, cloudy area is more likely to suggest breast cancer (a cancerous lesion). However, not all breast cancers are perfectly round, and some cancers may appear well-defined. Sometimes, the doctor will use ultrasound to further examine the problem and determine the next best step. When findings from a mammogram or ultrasound look suspicious, a biopsy is performed to determine if it a cancerous or non-cancerous condition. Conditions under which a biopsy may be performed include:
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Why the Test is Performed
Mammography is performed to screen healthy women for signs of breast cancer . It is also used to evaluate a woman who has symptoms of a breast disease, such as a lump, nipple discharge , breast pain , dimpling of the skin on the breast, or retraction of the nipple. Screening mammograms are important for early breast cancer detection. 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 to 2 years for women age 40 and older. Experts recommend that certain women at high risk of breast cancer should also have a breast MRI along with their yearly mammogram. Ask your doctor if you need an MRI. Guidelines from the American College of Physicians, however, debate whether women with a low risk for breast ...
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References
Smith RA, Salsow D, Sawyer KA, et al. American Cancer Society guidelines for breast cancer screening: Update 2003. CA Cancer J Clin . 2003;53(3):141-169. Saslow D, Boetes C, Burke W, et al. American Cancer Society guidelines for breast screening with MRI as an adjunct to mammography. CA Cancer J Clin . 2007 Mar-Apr;57(2):75-89. Lehman CD, Gatsonis C, Kuhl CK, et al. MRI evaluation of the contralateral breast in women with recently iagnosed breast cancer. N Engl J Med . 2007 Mar 29;356(13):1295-303. Epub 2007 Mar 28. Qaseem A, Snow V, Sherif K, et al. Screening mammography for women 40 to 49 years of age: A clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physicians. Ann Intern Med . 2007;146(7):511-515.
Encyclopedia: Mammography
Mammography is the process of using low-dose X-rays to examine the human breast. It is used to look for different types of tumors and cysts. Mammography has been proven to reduce mortality from breast cancer. No other imaging technique has been shown to reduce risk, but breast self-examination and physician examination are essential parts of regular breast care. In some countries routine mammography of older women is encouraged as a...
Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Question and Answer
I recently had a mammogram & received a letter from the hospital that I need...
You need to go in for more views (on both breasts). Most likely they are not happy that the have the "full picture". This happens to ALOT of...
Asked by drichards2 - 5 months ago
I am just asking because I've read that ultrasound follows a mammogram test. Why can't...
One of the early signs of breast cancer are certain types of microcalcifications. Microcalcifications are tiny deposits of calcium....about the size of a grain of salt. These can...
Asked by Ava - 8 months ago
Question & Answer
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Which is better: breast MRI or mammogram?
Having worked closely in this area, we found that MRI scans picked up abnormalites not shown with a normal mammogram. The doctors tend to go for the cheaper option first then if still unconclusive or...
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Is it abnormal to get aroused during a mammogram?
It is abnormal for a women to feel actual "arousal" yes - because mammograms are, at best, uncomfortable and for many women are extremely painful. If you are asking if it is normal for a women's...
Forum Posts
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In honor of Nat'l Mammogram Day: The Internet Mammogram - 24 replies
http://www.internetmammogram.net/ Find out if you have breast cancer! This is where the signature... goes... anything below this point is not the signature.
Oct 17, 2003
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For my auntie who has an abnormal finding on mammogram... - 9 replies
Please pray for my aunt who had a mammogram a few days ago and the result was not good at all. She is scheduled to have another mammogram today. Let's pray that this will be normal.
Jan 25, 2008
FAQs
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What is a mammogram?
mammogram is an X-ray of the breast.
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Is a mammogram painful?
For most women, a mammogram is not painful, merely uncomfortable and only for the brief time that their breasts are compressed. Try to schedule your mammogram at a time ...
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Is the mammogram sore?
Some women may find the mammogram uncomfortable, a few may find it painful but the compression will only last a few seconds. The compression is necessary in order to detect ...
Explore
Stages of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is classified from stage 0 (zero) to stage IV (four). The stages are determined by a sample of breast tissue, as well as examination of tissue from the lymph nodes under your arm. The purpose of staging is to estimate the chances of survival of at least five years after diagnosis. Learn about breast cancer staging with this slide show from the Mayo Clinic.
Female Breast Anatomy Slide Show
The anatomy of the human female breast contains various tissues and structures. One of the primary functions of the breast is milk production. Learn about breast ducts, muscles, and blood vessels in this slide show from the Mayo Clinic.
Breast Self-Exam Slide Show
Early detection is the best way to combat cancer; learn how do a regular breast self-exam.
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