Mammography is the process of using low-dose X-rays (usually around 0.7 mSv) to examine the human breast. It is used to look for different types of tumours and cysts. Only mammography has been proven to reduce mortality from breast cancer. In some countries routine (annual to five-yearly) mammography of older women is encouraged as a screening method to diagnose early breast cancer.
At this stage mammography is still the modality of choice for screening of early breast cancer. It is the gold-standard for other imaging methods such as ultrasound, NMR-tomography and CT which are less useful due to their lower spatial resolution.
During the procedure, the breast is compressed by a dedicated mammography machine, in order to even out the tissue, increase image quality, and to hold the breast still (preventing motion blur). Both front and side images of the breast are taken.
Deodorant, talcum powder or lotion may show up on the X-ray as calcium spots, and women are discouraged from applying these on the day of their investigation.
Mammograms are used to detect and diagnose breast disease both in women who have breast symptoms (problems such as a lump, pain or nipple discharge) and women who are asymptomatic (no breast complaints).
Mammograms for older women (over age 65) should be based on the womans health and whether or not she has other serious illnesses.
A diagnostic mammogram is an x-ray exam of the breast in a woman who either has a breast complaint (for example, a breast mass, nipple discharge, etc.) or has had an abnormality found during a screening mammogram.
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