Mammogram

Mammogram is a specific type of breast imaging that uses low-dose x-rays to detect cancer early – before women experience symptoms – when it is most treatable.

Overview

A mammogram is an x-ray examination of the breast. It is used to detect and diagnose breast disease in women who either have breast problems such as a lump, pain, or nipple discharge, as well as for women who have no breast complaints. The procedure allows detection of small tumors that cannot be felt by physical examination.

Procedure

During a mammogram, your breasts are compressed between two firm surfaces to spread out the breast tissue. Then an x-ray captures black-and-white images of your breasts that are displayed on a computer screen and examined by a doctor who looks for signs of cancer.

Types of Mammograms

There are two types of mammograms: screening mammogram and diagnostic mammogram. A screening mammogram is used to look for breast disease in women who do not have breast symptoms or complaints. A diagnostic mammogram is used to check for breast cancer after a lump or other sign or symptom of breast cancer has been found.

Benefits and Risks

Mammograms can often show a breast lump before it can be felt. They also can show tiny clusters of calcium called microcalcifications. However, mammograms also have their risks such as false positive results, overdiagnosis and overtreatment, and radiation exposure.

See Also

• Breast Cancer
• Breast Imaging
• X-ray