Frequently Asked Questions about Mammography

What is a mammogram?

A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breast taken with a special machine that uses only a small amount of radiation. A specially trained technologist positions your breast between two plastic plates. For a few seconds, pressure is applied to spread the breast tissue in order for the radiologist to determine normal breast tissue from abnormal. Two pictures are usually taken of each breast. Some women may feel a little discomfort, but it only lasts a few seconds and firm compression is an important part of a quality exam.

A radiologist will read the mammogram to see if there are any suspicious areas. The results will not show if a lump is cancerous or not – only a biopsy can do that – but a mammogram can show lumps that may not have been felt. Although mammography can show lumps that may not have been felt, it cannot show everything. About 10 to 15 percent of cancers that can be felt do not show up on a mammogram. That is why it is important for women to be examined by a healthcare professional and to examine their own breasts on a regular basis.

How are screening and diagnostic mammograms different?

A screening mammogram is an X-ray of the breast that is used to check for breast cancer in women who have no signs or symptoms of breast cancer. Screening mammography is recommended by age 40. This exam should be performed once a year.  A diagnostic mammogram is an X-ray of the breast that is used to check for breast cancer after a lump or other sign or symptom of breast cancer has been identified. Signs of breast cancer may include pain, skin thickening, nipple discharge or a change in breast size or shape. A diagnostic mammogram also may be used to evaluate changes found during a screening mammogram.

If you develop signs or symptoms of breast cancer that coincide with the time of your screening mammogram, then this exam should be done as a diagnostic procedure. A diagnostic mammogram appointment is scheduled for a longer length of time than a screening mammogram because it involves more images than a screening mammogram and is reviewed by the radiologist while the patient is present.

How is the procedure performed?

During a mammogram, a specially qualified radiologic technologist will position your breast in the mammography unit. Your breast will be placed on a special platform and compressed with a paddle (often made of clear Plexiglas or other plastic). The technologist will gradually compress your breast.

Breast compression is necessary in order to:

• Even out the breast thickness so that all of the tissue can be visualized.
• Spread out the tissue so that small abnormalities won't be obscured by overlying breast tissue.
• Allow the use of a lower X-ray dose since a thinner amount of breast tissue is being imaged.
• Hold the breast still in order to eliminate blurring of the image caused by motion.
• Reduce X-ray scatter to increase sharpness of picture.
• The technologist will stand behind a glass shield during the x-ray exposure. The patient will be asked to change positions slightly between images. The routine views are a top-to-bottom view and an oblique side view. The process will be repeated for the other breast.

The patient must hold very still and may be asked to keep from breathing for a few seconds while the X-ray picture is taken to reduce the possibility of a blurred image. The technologist will walk behind a wall or into the next room to activate the X-ray machine.

When the examination is complete, the patient will be asked to wait until the technologist determines that the images are of high-enough quality for the radiologist to read.

Are mammograms painful?

Spartanburg Regional is certified as a Softer Mammogram Provider®. That means we provide a soft, foam cushion, called MammoPad®, for each woman's personal use during every screening mammogram.

The MammoPad breast cushion was designed for women by a female breast surgeon. It is FDA-cleared, does not impair image quality, and makes it easier for you to be relaxed, warm and comfortable during your exam. That helps our skilled mammography technicians achieve the best possible mammogram.

Some women find the pressure of the plates on their breasts to be uncomfortable or even somewhat painful. Timing your mammogram when your breasts are not tender is important. In premenopausal women, this is usually one week after your menstrual period. If you do experience discomfort or pain, remember that each X-ray takes just a few moments and could save your life.

What should women with breast implants do about screening mammograms?

Women with breast implants should continue to have mammograms. A woman who had an implant following breast cancer surgery should ask her doctor whether a mammogram of the reconstructed breast is necessary. It is important to inform the mammography facility about breast implants when scheduling a mammogram. The technologist and radiologist must be experienced in x-raying patients with breast implants. Implants can hide some breast tissue, making it more difficult for the radiologist to detect an abnormality on the mammogram. If the technologist performing the procedure is aware that a woman has breast implants, steps can be taken to make sure that as much breast tissue as possible can be seen on the mammogram.