Mammography
What is Mammography?
Mammography is a specific type of imaging that uses a low-dose x-ray system for examination of the breasts.
The images of the breasts can be viewed on film at a view box or as soft copy on a digital mammography
work station. Most medical experts agree that successful treatment of breast cancer often is linked to early
diagnosis. Mammography plays a central part in early detection of breast cancers because it can show
changes in the breast up to two years before a patient or physician can feel them. Current guidelines from the
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the American Cancer Society (ACS), the American
Medical Association (AMA) and the American College of Radiology (ACR) recommend screening
mammography every year for women, beginning at age 40.
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) adds that women who have had breast
cancer and those who are at increased risk due to a genetic history of breast
cancer should seek expert medical advice about whether they should begin
screening before age 40 and about the frequency of screening.
A mammogram is a low-dose x-ray used to examine the breasts to detect lumps before they can be felt.
The breast is placed on a film and gently pressed. This compression, while briefly uncomfortable, greatly
improves the quality of the image.
Mammography at the hospital, FMH Crestwood and FMH Rose Hill is performed in a discrete area of the
imaging department that provides for patient privacy.
Each facility is now offering a Softer Mammogram, which uses a soft foam cushion called a MammoPad to
make the experience more comfortable. Click Here for more information on MammoPad.
What are some common uses of the procedure?
Mammography is used to aid in the diagnosis of breast diseases in women.  Screening mammography can
assist your physician in the detection of disease even if you have no complaints or
symptoms.
Initial mammographic images themselves are not always enough to determine the
existence of a benign or malignant disease with certainty. If a finding or spot seems
suspicious, your radiologist may recommend further diagnostic studies.
How should I prepare for the procedure?
Before scheduling a mammogram, discuss any new findings or problems in your breasts with your doctor. In
addition, inform your doctor of any prior surgeries, hormone use, and family or personal history of breast
cancer.
Do not schedule your mammogram for the week before your period if your breasts are usually tender during
this time. The best time is one week following your period. Always inform your doctor or x-ray technologist if
there is any possibility that you are pregnant.
We recommend that you:
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Do not wear deodorant, talcum powder, or lotion under your arms or on your breasts on the day of
the exam. These can appear on the x-ray film as calcium spots.
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Describe any breast symptoms or problems to the technologist performing the exam.
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Obtain prior mammograms and make them available to the radiologist at the time of the current exam.
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Ask when your results will be available; do not assume the results are normal if you do not hear from
your doctor or the mammography facility.
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In addition, before the examination, you will be asked to remove all jewelry and clothing above the
waist and you will be given a gown or loose-fitting material that opens in the front.
What does the equipment look like?
A mammography unit is a rectangular box that houses the tube in which x-rays are produced. The unit is
dedicated equipment, because it is used exclusively for x-ray exam of the breast with special accessories that
allow only the breast to be exposed to the x-rays. Attached to the unit is a device that holds and compresses
the breast and positions it so images can be obtained at different angles.
How does the procedure work?
The breast is exposed to a small dose of radiation to produce an image of internal breast tissue. The image of
the breast is produced as a result of some of the x-rays being absorbed (attenuation) while others pass
through the breast to expose film. The exposed film is placed in a developing machine, producing images
much like the negatives from a 35mm camera.
How is the procedure performed?
During mammography, a specially qualified radiologic technologist will position you to image your breast. The
breast is first placed on a special platform and compressed with a paddle.
Breast compression is necessary in order to:
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even out the breast thickness so that all of the tissue can be visualized;
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spread out the tissue so that small abnormalities won't be obscured by overlying breast tissue;
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allow the use of a lower x-ray dose since a thinner amount of breast tissue is being imaged;
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hold the breast still in order to eliminate blurring of the image caused by motion;
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reduce x-ray scatter to increase sharpness of picture.
The technologist will go behind a glass shield while making the x-ray exposure, which will send a beam of x-
rays through the breast to the film behind the plate, thus exposing the film.
You will be asked to change positions slightly between images. The routine views are a top-to-bottom view
and a side view. The process is repeated for the other breast.
The examination process should take about half an hour. When the mammography is completed you will be
asked to wait until the technologist examines the images to determine if more are needed.
What will I experience during the procedure?
You will feel pressure on the breast as it is squeezed by the breast paddle. Some women with sensitive
breasts may experience discomfort. If this is the case, schedule the procedure when your breasts are least
tender. The technologist will apply compression in gradations. Be sure to inform the technologist if pain
occurs as compression is increased.
Who interprets the results and how do I get them?
A radiologist, who i s a physician experienced in mammography and other x-ray examinations, will analyze the
images, describe any abnormalities, and suggest a likely diagnosis. The report will
be dictated by the radiologist, and then sent to your referring physician. You will
also be notified of the results by the mammography facility. This notification is
usually sent a few days after the official report goes to your doctor.
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