What to Expect When Undergoing This Test
Mammograms are an important screening test.
They can sometimes detect breast cancer in its earliest stages before any symptoms are present.
This is important because earlydiagnosisleads to better outcomes.
Verywell / Cindy Chung
These recommendations are intended for women ataverage risk only.
Do Men Get Mammograms?
Male breast canceris much less common than breast cancer in women, but it does occur.
Also keep in mind that a mammogram has limitations in terms of how accurate its results are.
False Negatives
A mammogram may not detect the presence of breast cancer when it is there.
This is referred to as a false-negative result.
Dense breast tissue can make it harder to detect breast cancer on a mammogram.
These can lead to false-positive results, which can lead to more invasive testing and unnecessary treatment.
A baseline mammogram usually is a persons first mammogram.
With special views (two for each breast) however, the accuracy is greatly improved.
They are also more accurate in women with dense breasts and involve less radiation.
There are other forms of mammography that are now available or being evaluated in studies.
Other tests that complement mammograms may includeelastography.
This is a test that looks at the elasticity of the breast.
It is sometimes used to determine if a biopsy is needed on a mass that is found.
A breast ultrasound can help differentiate a cystic mass (breast cyst)from a solid mass.
Before
Some women may find mammograms painful.
Your mammogram may be done in an outpatient clinic, hospital, or mobile mammography unit.
If needed, request them as soon as you make your appointment.
You may have markers placed on your breast.
The test is usually performed while you are standing.
For those who are unable to stand, sitting mammography may also be done.
Your technician will help you place your breast between two plates.
These plates are then compressed, squeezing your breast as the images are taken.
Compression helps ensure a clearer image.
If you have breast implants, you may need special implant displacement views completed.
If you experience any discomfort, let the technician know.
In some cases, your breast can be repositioned without compromising the image.
Even so, each image usually takes only a minute or less to complete.
How Long Does a Mammogram Take?
If needed, a second round of images may be taken.
A report will be sent to your healthcare provider who will notify you of your results.
Don’t assume that all is fine if you haven’t heard anything.
Findings
The findings section may simply say that your test was normal, negative, or benign.
This scale was developed to help standardize mammograms done across the country and at different institutions.
Your radiologist may make some recommendations based on your mammogram results.
In some cases, no other studies may be needed.
Summary
Mammograms are incredibly important and serve as one of the first steps to rule out cancer.
There are different types of mammograms, including 3D that offer a clearer picture of the breast.
A Word From Verywell
Mammograms can detect cancer in the early stages before symptoms appear.
For women at high risk, screening may begin at a younger age.
Breast mammograms are dark in the background like camera film.
The breast tissue will be in shades of gray and white.
Cancer will show up as white areas on the picture.
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