Traditional Mammography
A mammogram, or x-ray of the breast, is a method of detecting breast cancer tumors that cannot be felt. Mammograms are done with a special type of x-ray machine used only for mammograms and which produce a picture of the breast on film. There are two types of mammography: screening and diagnostic.
Screening mammography is recommended annually after age 40 and is used as a detection tool when there are no symptoms. The pictures are reviewed by a radiologist with methodical comparison to previous mammograms. Diagnostic mammography is the same detection tool, but is done when there's a problem, such as when a suspicious area in the breast needs further investigation. A lump that can be felt, or an abnormality seen on a screening mammogram, would spur a diagnostic mammogram.
In a mammogram, the breast is sandwiched between two plastic x-ray plates. It can be uncomfortable and pain can vary among individuals, depending on breast sensitivity. The actual time it takes to have a mammogram is three to five minutes and the actual compression time is about 30 seconds.
The compression is done to spread out the tissue, which provides the best image to help to detect any abnormalities. During a mammogram, the x-ray is taken from two views, one from top to bottom and the other from side to side.
Essential
Mammograms are far from perfect. Many abnormalities are labeled as possibly being cancer or are abnormal enough that a biopsy needs to be done. Some changes that can be confused with cancer include fibrocystic change, benign calcifications, or other normal breast densities.
Mammograms highlight different densities in the breast tissue. The radiologist is skilled in interpreting the patterns he sees and is trained to identify changes that might be cancer.
Breast cancers have their own unique pattern. On an x-ray they appear irregularly shaped and often the edges radiate out like sun rays, called spiculations. About half of breast cancers show calcium deposits, which are also referred to as microcalcifications. Calcium deposits may normally appear in the breast and are often noncancerous and, depending on the size, shape, and appearance, will determine whether they are suspicious for breast cancer or not. In general microcalcifications that are clustered in a certain area of the breast and irregular in shape will warrant further investigation by a needle biopsy.
A diagnostic mammogram is performed when there is a problem with the findings or questions regarding certain areas of the breast that are not well visualized. They include repeat views, additional views, or magnification views to look at a specific area.
Alert
Your first mammogram after breast cancer treatment will feel much different. You can be sure that the affected breast will be more tender and sore. Radiation and surgery will create changes within the breast resulting in pain, inflammation, and sensitivity of the breast tissue. This may lessen with time, but usually some increased sensitivity and discomfort will be experienced.
Once you have been treated for breast cancer, you can expect to have repeat mammograms generally at least every 12 months. The exact schedule will vary with the institution. Women who have had a mastectomy will only have a mammogram on the remaining breast.
You may want to consider taking an anti-inflammatory (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen) prior to going for your first post-treatment mammogram, but it is always recommended that you consult your doctor first.
