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Mammography
Definition:
A mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breasts. It is used to find tumors and cysts, and to help tell the difference between noncancerous (benign) and cancerous (malignant) disease. Alternative Names:
Mammogram Text Continues Below
How the test is performed:
You will be asked to undress from the waist up and will be given a gown to wear. Depending on the type of equipment used, you will sit or stand. One breast at a time is rested on a flat surface that contains the x-ray plate, and a device called a compressor will be pressed firmly against the breast to help flatten out the breast tissue. The x-ray pictures are taken from several angles. You may be asked to hold your breath as each picture is taken. How to prepare for the test:
Do not wear deodorant, perfume, powders, or ointments under the arms or on the breasts on the day of the mammogram. These substances may obscure the images. Remove all jewelry from your neck. Notify your health care provider (and/or the radiologist) if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. How the test will feel:
When the breast is compressed, there may be some discomfort. Why the test is performed:
Mammography is performed to screen healthy women for signs of breast cancer. It is also used to evaluate a woman who has symptoms of a breast disease, such as a lump, nipple discharge, breast pain, dimpling of the skin on the breast, or retraction of the nipple. Screening mammograms are important for early breast cancer detection. The American Cancer Society recommends mammogram screening every year for all women age 40 and older. The National Cancer Institute recommends mammogram screening every 1 to 2 years for women age 40 and older.
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