Information on Mammograms

A mammogram is an X-ray that's taken of the breasts to determine if there are any tumors or other abnormalities. The procedure can be used for screening and diagnosing lumps. According to the Mayo Clinic, the rate of fatalities from breast cancer has been drastically reduced because of the common use of mammogram technology.

Who

The American Cancer Society recommends that women have a mammogram every year after the age of 40, while the National Cancer Institute reports that once every two years is sufficient. Other general guidelines direct physicians as to who should receive the regular examinations. From the ages of 26 to 29, women who are at high risk for breast cancer should begin getting the regular tests. High-risk populations include those who have had cancer in any other areas of the body or who have a history of breast cancer in their families.

Risks

The mammogram is not foolproof and can result in false positive readings or miss very small tumors hidden behind glands or in dense breast tissue. Women at high risk or those who have small irregularities on their X-rays often are sent for additional tests, including an ultrasound or MRI. Previous mammograms are required in order to make comparisons for changes. The Mayo Clinic reports that nearly 10 percent of all mammograms result in additional testing. Additionally, not all malignant tumors found by way of a mammogram are curable.

Procedure

A mammogram can be uncomfortable, though few women report painful experiences. The Mayo Clinic recommends taking a couple of aspirin or ibuprofen an hour before the test to alleviate the discomfort. To prepare for the test, a woman stands in front of the X-ray machine, and a technician places her breast on a shelf usually made of plastic. The technician moves the patient in place and adjusts her arms and torso to be able to get the best results. In turn, each breast is squeezed with another plastic surface from the top, and the X-ray is taken. The X-ray machine is then rotated to a sideways position, and each breast is again pressed tightly between the surfaces and X-rayed. The patient is asked to hold her breath for each picture, which takes about five to 10 seconds.

Reading

A radiologist reads the X-ray after it is processed. Most X-rays are automatically displayed on a computer screen and can be read immediately. The treating physician usually reads the films as well. Reading mammograms can be difficult because breast tissue looks different on every woman. Small changes that could indicate a tumor are best seen when compared to previous mammograms of the same person. Many doctors play it safe and order additional tests to confirm possible changes in the tissue. When X-rays do not provide a definite answer, a biopsy may be performed to allow the doctor to go in and take a sample of the tissue in question and check it in the laboratory.