Frequently Asked Questions

“A mammogram is a special type of x-ray imaging exam used to create detailed images of the breast.” (Imaginis, 2010).

No. You should continue to receive a manual breast examination by your doctor along with your mammograms. These methods coupled with your monthly self-breast exams are the best ways to detect breast cancer at an early.

“A baseline mammogram is the set of images used as the basis for comparison in later tests” (Imaginis, 2010). This is usually your first mammogram and is used as a comparison to future mammograms.

Screening usually takes about 15 minutes. Diagnostic mammography can take up to 30 minutes. A breast biopsy can take up to one hour. (Imaginis, 2010)

Yes, if you have breast implants you should still follow the American College of Radiology (ACR) recommendations of women without breast implants. You should inform your doctor and the technologist of the implants so that special views can be taken to properly view the breast. (Imaginis, 2010)

Since modern mammography utilizes a low dose of x-rays there is no significant risk of damage during a mammography. The risks outweigh the benefits of receiving a mammography. (Imaginis, 2010)

“Patients will feel firm pressure but no significant pain. The quality of your mammogram is greatly dependent on compression of the breast, which may sometimes cause discomfort (the discomfort is brief). Compression decreases breast motion that can cause blurry images. Breast compression also flattens the breast so that all of the tissue can be visualized in the image” (Imaginis, 2010).

“It is estimated that a mammogram can detect approximately 85-90% of all breast cancers. While the vast majority of abnormalities are detected by mammography, there are some that are simply not detectable. Sometimes an irregularity goes undetected because surrounding breast tissue is the same density as the irregular tissue. The goal of mammography is to try to identify women who have breast cancer but are unaware of it (asymptomatic women). If a patient has a lump or other change and the mammogram is “negative” (interpreted as not suspicious or cancerous), the patient should pursue that finding further with her doctor. In some cases, a lump that is not suspicious on a mammogram may be followed up with clinical breast exam or a follow-up mammogram in six months instead of the normal twelve” (Imaginis, 20100).

“Calcifications (also called microcalcifications) are mineral deposits in the breast that may be caused by dried-up secretions, trauma to the breast, resorbed blood, or dead tissue cells. These small calcium deposits are often found in clusters by a mammogram. Dietary calcium levels do not have any relationship to breast calcifications. If a woman has calcifications in the breast she may continue calcium supplements which can be helpful in preventing bone loss, osteoporosis and fracture. Calcifications are not equivalent to cancer. But they are signs of changes within the breast, and certain patterns of calcifications can be associated with cancer or benign breast disease” (Imaginis, 2010).

“Fibrocystic breast change is single or multiple lumps in the breasts. The lumps are often harmless and fairly common. Often the term fibrocystic breast disease refers to normal, dense fibroglandular tissue. Fibrocystic disease is a term that is often misused in breast cancer screening and diagnosis. In fact, there is usually no actual disease. Fibrocystic disease can only be diagnosed after biopsy or needle aspiration of the lumps. Fibrocystic change in most women is common” (Imaginis, 2010).

For more frequently asked questions about mammograms and related information you can visit: http://www.imaginis.com/mammogram/directory-of-mammography-articles