This is because there is a wide variation in breast tissue density among women. Denser breasts are more difficult to image, and more difficult to assess for tumor diagnosis. For this and other reasons, the sensitivity of mammography in detecting cancer can vary over a wide range.
For many difficult cases, x-ray mammography alone may not be sufficiently sensitive or accurate in detecting cancer, so additional imaging technologies, such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging MRI may also be used to increase the sensitivity of the exam.
Recently, studies have shown that a type of nuclear medicine called molecular breast imaging MBI may be an effective and less expensive alternative to MRI for clarifying test results in patients with dense breasts. During MBI, patients are given an injection of radioactive molecules that are selectively taken up by cancer cells.
Special cameras that detect radioactivity are then used to reveal these cancer cells in the breast tissue. Because mammography uses x-rays to produce images of the breast, patients are exposed to a small amount of ionizing radiation. For most women, the benefits of regular mammograms outweigh the risks posed by this amount of radiation. The risk associated with this dose appears to be greater among younger women under age However, in some cases, the benefits of using mammography to detect breast cancer under age 40 may outweigh the risks of radiation exposure.
Additionally, if a tumor is malignant and is caught early by mammogram, a surgeon may be able to remove it before it spreads and requires more aggressive treatment such as chemotherapy. Several organizations and professional societies have developed guidelines for mammography screening.
You can read more about these recommendations on their websites below. All recommend that women talk with their doctor about the benefits and potential harms of mammography, when to start screening, and how often to be screened. Dedicated Breast CT: Research funded by NIBIB has led to the development of a breast CT scanner bCT that allows radiologists to view the breast in three dimensions and has the potential to reveal small tumors obscured behind dense breast tissue.
The scanner uses a radiation dose comparable to mammography by sending X-rays only through the breast and not the chest. Learn about emerging areas in early detection.
Facts for Life: Mammography. Research Fast Facts: Early Detection. Skip to content. Accuracy of Mammograms Mammography is good at finding breast cancer, especially in women ages 50 and older. Menopausal hormone therapy and mammography What is menopausal hormone therapy MHT? How does MHT use affect mammogram findings? The main types of MHT pills are estrogen plus progestin and estrogen alone.
Experience of the radiologist matters To get accurate mammogram findings, you need a high-quality image and a good reading of that image. Breast Cancer. Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. What Is a Mammogram? Minus Related Pages. Regular mammograms are the best tests doctors have to find breast cancer early. Try not to have your mammogram the week before you get your period or during your period.
Your breasts may be tender or swollen then. These products can show up as white spots on the X-ray. Some women prefer to wear a top with a skirt or pants, instead of a dress. You will need to undress from your waist up for the mammogram. Find a mammography facility in your state or territory external icon. Stay Informed. Abnormal mammograms often require extra testing diagnostic mammograms , ultrasound , and sometimes MRI or even a breast biopsy to find out if the change is cancer.
Finding breast cancer early may not help her live longer if she has other serious or life-threatening health problems, such as serious heart disease, or severe kidney, liver, or lung disease.
The American Cancer Society breast cancer screening guidelines emphasize that women with serious health problems or short life expectancies should discuss with their doctors whether they should continue having mammograms.
Our guidelines also stress that age alone should not be the reason to stop having regular mammograms.
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