What is a Mammogram?

Mammogram and Self Breast Exam Reminder

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A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breast. It can find breast cancer that is too small for you, your physician, or a nurse to feel.

The exam is performed by compressing the patient's breast between two plates to capture the image of the breast tissue. While there may be some discomfort, it is important that the breast is compressed to increase the image quality and lower the exposure to radiation. At least two (2) images are taken of each breast. Each breast is X-rayed once from top to bottom and once at a slight angle. The mammography images are then reviewed by the physician and discussed with the patient.

Who should have a Mammogram and When?

There are two types of mammograms - a screening mammogram and a diagnostic mammogram.

• A screening mammogram is an X-ray exam of the breasts in a woman who has no complaints or symptoms of breast cancer. The goal is to detect cancer when it is still too small to be felt by a woman or her physician. Screening mammograms are recommended every year for women once they reach 40 years of age. In some instances, physicians may recommended beginning screening mammography before age 40 if the woman has a strong family history of breast cancer.



• A diagnostic mammogram is advisable for anyone who notices any change in their breast like a lump or hardening when palpating the breast or armpits, has a family history of breast cancer, or has had an abnormaility found during a screening mammogram. A diagnostic mammogram is usually more time-consuming because additional images need to be taken of the areas of concern and a biopsy my need to be performed.

Analog vs. Digital?

Analog mammography records images using film processing. The exam is performed by placing the patient's breast between the mammography unit's X-ray tube and an X-ray film and then carefully pressing it against a compression plate. The X-rays passing through the breast tissue blacken the X-ray film. However, the X-ray film remains white at locations where the X-rays were not able to pass through the tissue. The result is a black-gray-and-white image of the breast

Digital mammography incorporates the same examination procedure as analog. However, instead of exposing film, the X-rays hit an advanced detector, which senses the image data digiatally and electronically. The resulting images are evaluated by the physician with a special computer. Several software tools are also at the doctor's disposal to simplify diagnosis.

Read about the benefits of Digital Mammography.

Learn more about Mammography.