A diagnostic mammogram is also used to evaluate abnormalities detected on a screening mammogram. It is a basic medical tool and is appropriate in the workup of breast changes, regardless of a woman's age.
White Marsh. X-rays use invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs on film. Standard X-rays are performed for many reasons, including diagnosing tumors or bone injuries.
X-rays are made by using external radiation to produce images of the body, its organs, and other internal structures for diagnostic purposes. X-rays pass through body structures onto specially-treated plates similar to camera film and a "negative" type picture is made the more solid a structure is, the whiter it appears on the film.
Breast imaging experts explain breast imaging and the difference between screening and diagnostic mammograms. Each breast has 15 to 20 sections, called lobes, which are arranged like the petals of a daisy. Each lobe has many smaller lobules, which end in dozens of tiny bulbs that can produce milk.
The lobes, lobules, and bulbs are all linked by thin tubes called ducts. These ducts lead to the nipple in the center of a dark area of skin called the areola.
Fat fills the spaces between lobules and ducts. Each breast also contains blood vessels and vessels that carry lymph. The lymph vessels lead to small bean-shaped organs called lymph nodes, clusters of which are found under the arm, above the collarbone, and in the chest, as well as in many other parts of the body.
Mammography may be used either for screening or to make a diagnosis. Women older than 30 years should undergo diagnostic mammography if they have symptoms, such as a palpable lump, breast skin thickening or indentation, nipple discharge or retraction, erosive sore of the nipple, or breast pain. A mammogram may be used to evaluate breast pain when physical examination and history are not conclusive. Women who are at high risk for breast cancer or with a history of breast cancer may be routinely screened with mammography.
Different health experts have different recommendations for mammography. The following screening guidelines are for early detection of cancer in women who have no symptoms:.
The National Cancer Institute guidelines state that women in their 40s and older should have a screening mammogram on a regular basis, every 1 to 2 years. The American Cancer Society recommends that women with an average risk of breast cancer should have regular screening mammograms starting at age Mammograms should be done every year for all women ages 45 to Then you can switch to mammograms every 2 years.
Or you have the choice to continue annual mammograms. Currently, the U. Women who are at an increased risk family history, genetic tendency, past breast cancer should talk with their health care providers about the benefits and limitations of starting mammography screening earlier, having additional tests breast ultrasound, MRI , or having more frequent exams. Women should talk with their health care providers about their personal risk factors before making a decision about when to start getting mammograms or how often they should get them.
Consult your health care provider regarding the screening guidelines that are appropriate for you. Some women find it painful. A mammogram takes only a few moments, though, and the discomfort is over soon.
What you feel depends on the skill of the technologist, the size of your breasts, and how much they need to be pressed. Your breasts may be more sensitive if you are about to get or have your period. A doctor with special training, called a radiologist, will read the mammogram.
He or she will look at the X-ray for early signs of breast cancer or other problems. You will usually get the results within a few weeks, although it depends on the facility. A radiologist reads your mammogram and then reports the results to you and your doctor.
If there is a concern, you will hear from the mammography facility earlier. Contact your health care provider or the mammography facility if you do not receive a report of your results within 30 days. An example of a normal mammogram. Continue to get mammograms according to recommended time intervals. Mammograms work best when they can be compared with previous ones.
This allows the radiologist to compare them to look for changes in your breasts. An abnormal mammogram does not always mean that there is cancer. But you will need to have additional mammograms, tests, or exams before the doctor can tell for sure.
You may also be referred to a breast specialist or a surgeon. It does not necessarily mean you have cancer or need surgery. Actions on the follow-up plan may include:. Your doctor will review your results and explain the next steps to you during a follow-up appointment.
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Who should get one What to expect Tips to prepare Procedure Is it safe? Cost and where to go Results and next steps What is a mammogram? Who should get a mammogram? What does having a mammogram feel like? Tips to prepare for a mammogram. What happens during a mammogram? Are mammograms safe?
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