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| Basic Information |
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| Definition |
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Mammography is a procedure that involves taking x-rays of the
breasts to detect breast cysts or tumors, especially those that
cannot be felt (palpable) by the fingers during a physical examination.
A mammogram is the photographic result. The procedure does not
prevent breast cancer; it is used to detect cancer early when
it is more likely to be successfully treated. However, there are
some breast cancers that are not visible even on mammograms
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| Reasons For Procedure |
- Evaluate breast symptoms such as lumps, persistent pain,
nipple discharge
- Screen for breast cancer
- Helps differentiate between noncancerous breast disease and
breast cancer
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| Risk |
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None expected
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| Description Of Procedure |
- All clothing above the waist is removed and a gown provided
that opens in the front
- You will stand in front of the x-ray equipment
- Each breast in turn will be compressed between 2 plastic
plates in 2 or more positions for the x-rays. Compressing the
breasts can be uncomfortable, but it minimizes the amount of
radiation required to get a clear image
- After the films are taken, they are checked to make sure
they are readable. If not, the procedure will be repeated
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| Expected Outcome |
- There are normally no physical side effects from the test
itself
- As a screening test, results usually reveal normal breast
tissue with no abnormal masses or calcification
- Any findings that suggest cancer require further tests (such
as biopsy) for confirmation
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| Possible Complications |
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Misdiagnosis; missing cancers that are there or mistaking benign
lumps for cancerous ones
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| Treatment/Post Procedure Care |
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| General Measures |
- There are no special self-care measures to take following
the test Test results that are suggestive often require a needle
aspiration, biopsy and/or ultrasound testing
- Further testing may be recommended even if the mammogram results
are negative, such as when there is an undiagnosed abnormality
on physical examination or unexplained symptoms occur
- Follow-up treatment steps will depend on the specific diagnosis
- Routine mammograms are recommended for the following age
groups:
- Around the age of 40 years, all women should have their
first mammogram
- Between ages 40 and 50 years, women should have a mammogram
every 1 to 2 years
- After age 50 years, all women should have a mammogram
every year
- Women at high risk for breast cancer (anyone with a close
relative who has had breast cancer) should have a mammogram
every 1 to 2 years beginning at age 35 years
- Additional information available from: American Cancer Society,
1599 Clifton Rd., Atlanta, GA 30329, telephone (800) ACS-2345;
web site
www.cancer.org
National Cancer Institute Cancer Information Service at (800)
4 CANCER; web site www.nci.nih.gov
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| Medication |
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Medicine is not necessary for the procedure itself
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| Activity |
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No restrictions
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| Diet |
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No special diet
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| Notify Your Healthcare Provider If |
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You have not had a mammogram as recommended for your age group
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