Mammograms
A mammogram is a set of X-ray images of the breasts. Each breast is imaged in two different projections: from the top facing down, and from the side. The images are obtained by placing the breast in a special mammography machine, which is designed so that a radiation beam passes through the breast and forms an image of it on an X-ray film. The breast is held in compression for each X-ray exposure to achieve the clearest possible image.
You may be wondering why a mammogram cannot be performed with the same kind of equipment used for X-rays of the chest or bones. Although the breast itself is internally made up of various kinds of tissue, those tissues have very similar densities to each other. Distinguishing among them requires a special kind of X-ray beam as well as special X-ray film.
Getting to Your Exam
You may schedule a mammogram appointment through your personal physician. We are a complete digital mammogram facility. All our offices have state of the art digital mammography equipment. Both screening and diagnostic mammography are performed in Boston and also at our suburban locations:
- Boston: Shapiro Clinical Center
- Brookline
- Medical Care Center North, Chelsea
- Chestnut Hill
- Medical Care Center, Lexington
Screening and Diagnostic Mammograms
Screening mammography is performed on women without symptoms who are over the age of forty. The purpose is to look for any early signs of breast cancer. The majority of these mammograms show no abnormality.
Diagnostic mammography is performed to resolve a particular question related to the breast. This can be in one of several situations:
- If a woman has any signs or symptoms related to the breasts, such as a lump, breast pain, nipple discharge, unexplained skin changes of either breast, or new or unexplained asymmetry of the breasts
- If a woman has a personal history of breast cancer
- If an indeterminate abnormality is seen on a screening mammogram
Diagnostic mammography often includes extra mammographic views. The views obtained are tailored to work-up of the specific abnormality. Sometimes the breast is further examined using ultrasound (see below).
When Should I Get a Mammogram?
You may be referred for a mammogram by your primary care doctor or you may contact us directly. Usually, a woman has her first (or "baseline") mammogram at forty years of age. This may be performed at an earlier age if there are any signs or symptoms, or in women with a family history of breast cancer. After the baseline mammogram, a woman should have a mammogram every year.
Preparation For Your Exam
If you've had a prior mammogram elsewhere, you'll be asked to either bring that mammogram to your appointment, or arrange for it to be sent to us. Comparing mammograms made at different times on the same person is extremely helpful in detecting subtle changes. On the day of your mammogram you should not use talcum powder, perfume or deodorant. We recommend that you wear a comfortable two-piece garment. You may continue to take any medication that you normally take.
During the Exam
The mammography technologist will position your breasts. This involves flattening and compressing the breast to obtain a clear picture of the tissues. The degree of pressure needed for optimal imaging may cause discomfort momentarily. It does not harm the breast tissues. The entire exam will take approximately a half hour.
Is mammography safe?
Mammography does expose you to some radiation. However, today's refined mammography equipment is designed so that this exposure is minimal. There is no evidence that routine screening mammography in women, initiated at age 40, is associated with increased risk from radiation. The dose received from a routine screening mammogram is the same as the dose received from natural background radiation over three months.
