Mammography

Diagnostic Imaging

What is Mammography?

Mammography is an essential tool for the early detection of breast cancer. Regular mammograms can help save lives by identifying breast cancer at its earliest and most treatable stage, often long before it can be felt.

Mammography is a special type of medical imaging that is used to detect and diagnose breast diseases, including breast cancer. It involves taking low-dose X-ray images of the breasts to look for any abnormalities or changes in the breast tissue even before a patient or doctor can feel a lump.

Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT), also known as 3D mammography, is an advanced imaging technique that provides a three-dimensional view of the breast. It is used in combination with traditional 2D mammography to aid in the detection and diagnosis of breast cancer.

In DBT, a series of low-dose X-ray images are taken of the breast from different angles. These images are then reconstructed into a three-dimensional image of the breast, allowing radiologists to examine the breast tissue layer by layer. This provides a more detailed and accurate view of the breast, making it easier to detect small abnormalities or lesions that may be hidden or obscured in traditional 2D mammograms.

The addition of DBT to mammography has been shown to improve the accuracy of breast cancer detection, especially in women with dense breast tissue. Dense breast tissue can make it more challenging to detect cancers with conventional mammography alone, as the dense tissue can mask or hide abnormalities. DBT helps to overcome this limitation by providing clearer and more detailed images of the breast.

Why is Mammography Useful in Breast Health?

Mammography is important because it can help detect breast cancer at an early stage, when the treatment is most effective, and the prognosis is best. Regular mammograms can help identify small tumors or changes in breast tissue that may not be felt during a physical exam. By detecting breast cancer earlier, women have more treatment options available to them, often including options that are less aggressive, and a higher chance of successful treatment outcomes.

What is Mammography?

Why is Mammography Useful in Breast Health?

FAQs

Who Should Have a Screening Mammogram?

A Screening mammogram is indicated for individuals with no current symptoms, concerns, or apparent breast abnormality.

The Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR) recommends that women between the ages of 40 and 74 undergo regular mammograms. However, the timing and frequency of mammograms may vary depending on an individual’s risk factors, such as family history of breast cancer or certain genetic mutations. Women at higher risk may be advised to start mammograms at an earlier age or have them more frequently.

In Alberta, those aged 45-74 can self refer for a screening mammogram, with no requisition required from a physician. Book yours today.

For more information about Canadian Breast Health: https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-types/breast/screening

Who Should Have a Diagnostic Mammogram?

Diagnostic mammography is performed when there is a specific concern or abnormality identified in the breast. It is used to evaluate an identified area of concern or to follow-up on an abnormal finding seen on a screening mammogram. Additional views of the breast may be taken from different angles or magnified views may be obtained to provide a more detailed evaluation.

Some reasons that a diagnostic mammogram may be requested:

There is a palpable lump (a lump you can feel)
There are new breast symptoms (ex. Nipple discharge, nipple inversion, skin dimpling, skin thickening, change in size or shape)
To evaluate breast implants
There was a finding on a screening mammogram

What Can I Expect During my Exam?

You will be asked to change into a gown and the technologist will guide you in how to best position your body within the scanner.

Your breast is compressed between two plates, and multiple images are taken as the X-ray tube moves in an arc over the breast. This is done one breast at a time. The entire exam only takes a few moments.

Mammography is a safe procedure, that uses low-dose radiation, and has been ordered by your care -provider with your health care in mind.

The compression of the breasts during the exam may cause temporary discomfort, but the process is quick, and the discomfort is short-lived. If you experience breast tenderness, and you are premenopausal, it is advisable to book your mammogram 7-10 days after your period, at a time with minimal sensitivity.

What Happens With my Screening Results?

After the radiologist has received the mammogram images, they will review and compile a report for your referring care provider. This is typically received in 1-4 days from the time of the appointment. Included in the report for the referrer will be relevant findings and the corresponding recommendations according to the current guidelines.

It is NOT uncommon to have a patient be called back for additional mammogram views or an ultrasound, based on the first mammogram. This is not something that should cause panic as it is very common, and a sign that the radiologist wants the most accurate and complete information possible. Sometimes, this need for more information means a different angle or a different means (ultrasound) to visualize the area. We do not wish to cause worry, but we are completely committed to offering the best possible screening available. In Canada less than 10% of women who are called back for additional imaging have breast cancer.

What Happens With my Diagnostic Results?