MAMMOGRAMS - X-RAY EXAMS OF THE BREAST

 

This fact sheet is designed to give you general information about your x-ray. Any individual problems or questions should be directed to your physician.

 

Why Breast Examinations?

Fact: 1 out of 10 American women develops breast cancer. The exact cause is not yet known, so little can be done to prevent it. However, it is clear that the earlier breast cancer is detected - when the tumor is smallest - the better the chances for treatment and cure. Thus, breast examinations - by women themselves, by physicians, and by modern technology such as mammography - are vital to early detection, and why more women are recovering from breast cancer today than ever before.

 

What is Mammography - What are its Benefits?

Mammography is simply an x-ray that provides the sharpest images available of the breast's inner structure. The advanced screening capability of an x-ray - or mammogram - greatly improves survival of women because it detects much smaller tumors than those that can be felt by women themselves and by even the most experienced physicians, plus detects them before they have spread to other parts of the body. Mammography also shows changes in breast tissue that can be used for comparison studies with your future mammograms.

 

What Can I Expect During An Examination?

A mammography examination is a fairly routine procedure, and will generally include the following:

 

• An interview to determine the reason for your visit and to prepare a brief file of your medical history.
• Removing your clothing from the waist up in exchange for an examination garment.
• Being positioned at the mammography unit, seated, standing or lying down.
• Each breast may be x-rayed several times from above and from the side to provide films for the physician to make a diagnosis.

 

What About Risks?

Like any x-ray procedure, mammography uses radiation. But with a state-of-the-art mammography unit, the radiation to the patient is very low. Evidence clearly suggests the life-saving benefits of early cancer detection far outweigh the negligible risks of low-level radiation exposure. For further assurance, consult your doctor.

 

What About Breast Cancer Symptoms?

Important symptoms to watch for include: Changes in breast contour; dimpling, scaling or puckering of the skin around the nipple; nipple secretion; a lump or thickening; or other changes that you feel are not normal. However, breast cancer symptoms are often not obvious - no lumps, pain, nothing. So, whether you think you have symptoms or not, check with your physician about the special benefits of mammography, since its advanced technology can provide the most accurate tumor detection.

 

What Else Should I Know?

1. Compression – Why it’s best for your breast: Compressions reduce the amount of radiation absorbed by the breast. The more the breast can be compressed, the less radiation is needed to penetrate the tissue. Compressions are also important in separating the different overlying tissues that makeup the breast, allowing better visualization of subtle abnormalities that may be hidden. This allows for identification of early breast cancers.

2. Remember that early detection of breast cancer is the key to treatment and cure, so examinations are important. However, individual examination needs vary. Due to a number of factors, including advancing age, family history, etc., some women are at higher risk than others. Of course, women with symptoms should see their doctor without hesitation. Women without symptoms should be sure to consult their physician to determine their individual breast examination needs.

3. FYI – If you plan on moving to another city/state, it’s important to take your previous mammograms with you for comparison with future exams.