Mammography

(Breast X-ray, Mammogram)

Definition
Mammography is the use of low-dose x-rays
(radiation) to make a picture of the tissue
inside the breast. The resulting picture is
called a mammogram.
Parts of the Body Involved
• Mammography is specifically for the breasts.
• Reasons for Procedure
Mammography is used to screen for and diagnose breast cancer by detecting tumors or other
changes in breast tissue.
• Specifically, mammography:
– Aids in early detection of cancer, which improves chances of successful treatment
– Can identify abnormalities before a lump can be felt
– Provides the only reliable method of locating abnormal growths in the milk ducts
– Identifies a lump's location prior to a biopsy or surgery
– The effectiveness of mammography, for women aged 50 years and older, has been
shown in in randomised controlled trials, but is less clear in younger women.
– A recent study, for example, involving 160,921 women recruited at age 39 to 41
showed that annual screening mammograms up to age 48 did decrease breast
cancer mortality over an average of 10.7 years.
– This reduction, however, was not statistically significant, meaning it could have been
due to chance. According to these findings, about 2,500 women would need to be
screened to prevent one breast cancer death during this time period.

Risk Factors for Complications During the Procedure

– There are no complications associated with this procedure.