Digital Mammography

Digital mammography is a technologically advanced version of mammography that enhances the speed of screening and diagnostic results, as well as ease of follow-up discussion and next-step recommendations between patients and their physician.

The mammogram remains the ideal mode of screening and/or diagnosis for breast cancer. Mammograms play a key role in early breast cancer detection and help decrease breast cancer deaths. How often you should have a mammogram depends on your age and your risk of breast cancer.

During a mammogram, your breasts are compressed between two firm surfaces in order to spread out the breast tissue. An X-ray captures images of your breasts that a diagnostic radiologist uses to detect abnormalities, changes from prior screenings, and possible tumors.

  • Screening mammography is used to detect breast changes in women who have no signs or symptoms or observable breast abnormalities. The goal is to detect cancer before any clinical signs are noticeable. At least two mammograms from different angles of each breast are typically required.
  • Diagnostic mammography is used to investigate breast changes that are suspicious, such as a breast lump, breast pain, unusual skin appearance, nipple thickening or nipple discharge. It's also used to evaluate abnormal findings on a screening mammogram. Additional images as needed can be made from other angles, or focus on areas of concern at higher magnification.

When to begin screening mammography

We don't have expert consensus on the ideal time to begin regular screening mammograms and everyone's history and circumstances differ. For this reason, it is best to consult with your physician to recommend a screening mammography schedule that's right for you.

Some general guidelines:

  • For those with an average risk of breast cancer, many women begin mammograms at age 40 and have them every year. Professional groups differ on their recommendations, with most, including the American Cancer Society, advising women with an average risk to begin mammograms at age 40.
  • For those with a higher risk of breast cancer, you may benefit by beginning screening mammograms before age 40. Your risk factors and your degree of breast density may lead your doctor to recommend magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in combination with mammograms.

Risks

While mammography remains a highly regarded method of breast cancer screening and diagnosis, it isn't without certain limitations and potential risks.

  • Mammography exposes you to a very low dose of radiation. For most women, the benefits of regular mammography far outweigh the risks associated with this minimal amount of radiation.
  • Mammograms aren't always accurate. While digital mammograms remove the quality of film concerns, other factors that could reduce accuracy include the technique used and the expertise of the radiologist. Age and breast density can sometimes result in false-negative or false-positive mammograms. Always tell your doctor if you've noticed any change in one of your breasts.
  • Mammograms in younger women and women with dense breast tissue, due to their breasts often containing more glands and ligaments, can at times be difficult to interpret.
  • 10 to 15 percent of all mammograms require additional testing. However, it's important to note that most abnormal findings are not cancer.
  • Screening mammography cannot detect all cancers. A cancer may be too small or may be in an area that is difficult to view by mammography, such as your armpit.

How to prepare for a mammogram

If possible, schedule the test for a time when your breasts are least likely to be tender - usually the week after your menstrual period if you haven't gone through menopause. Your breasts are most likely to be tender the week before and the week during your period. Diagnostic Imaging Specialists of Chicago offers flexibility in scheduling your appointment without waiting the "months" common with many larger area institutions.

If you're visiting our office for the first time, try to bring any available prior mammograms with you - the originals - and accompanying reports so that the diagnostic radiologist can compare them with your new images.

Avoid using deodorants, antiperspirants, powders, lotions, creams or perfumes under your arms or on your breasts as metallic particles in powders and deodorants could be visible on your mammogram and cause confusion.

While discomfort from pressure against the breast during the test should be minimal, taking an over-the-counter pain medication such as aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), about an hour before your mammogram might ease any such discomfort.

Once at the office for your mammography, you'll be given a gown and asked to remove neck jewelry and clothing from the waist up. Wearing a two-piece outfit that day is advisable.

Results

At Diagnostic Imaging Specialists of Chicago, your digital mammogram will be interpreted, and the results discussed with you by a board certified diagnostic radiologist before you leave the office. In addition, the results will be immediately sent electronically to your physician. If your results raise concern of a possible cancer, the radiologist may recommend additional mammogram views and/or an ultrasound, which can also be done during the same appointment at our office. A breast biopsy, in which a piece of tissue (sample of cells) is removed and analyzed by a pathologist, may also be recommended.

Regardless of results, make sure there is consistency of interpretation among your medical team. If not, further testing may be warranted. If a cancer is diagnosed, you and your doctor will collaborate on the best course of treatment.

Remember, early and regular screenings provide the best opportunity to detect and diagnose breast cancer in its earliest stages, which in turn gives you the greatest range of treatment options.