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What is a mammogram?

A mammogram is a type of x-ray that is used to take a picture of the breast. It is a screening tool for breast cancer used for women with no signs or symptoms of the disease. Typically, screening mammograms involves taking two or more images of each breast. The images can detect tumors that are too small to be felt. Additionally, screening mammograms can also reveal microcalcifications, which are tiny calcium deposits that may indicate the presence of breast cancer.

On the other hand, mammograms that identify changes detected during a routine screening or evaluate breast tissue in unique circumstances, such as in cases involving implants, are referred to as diagnostic mammograms. It is a specialized medical imaging procedure aimed at assessing any abnormalities or potential risks to the breast tissue. Diagnostic mammograms are typically performed after detecting a lump, discharge, or other signs of a breast condition. They are an essential tool in detecting and diagnosing breast cancer, and oncologists use them to determine the appropriate course of treatment.

What changes may occur in a woman's breast during their lifetime?

Breast changes are a common phenomenon in women's lives. Most women experience some changes in their breasts at different stages of their lives that may cause discomfort or raise concerns. 

• During menstruation or just before, breasts may feel sore, tender, or swollen. Women may also feel one or more lumps due to the extra fluid accumulation in their breasts. 
• During pregnancy, breasts may feel lumpy or develop breast lumps. This is because the milk-producing glands are growing in number and size.
• As women approach menopause, their hormones undergo changes that may cause breast tenderness even when not menstruating. Menopause may also make breasts feel lumpier than they did before.
• Breast density may increase when taking hormone replacement therapy, birth control pills, or injections. This can make mammograms challenging to read.
• After menopause, breast changes may reduce, and women may no longer experience breast lumps, pain, or nipple discharge. 

It's crucial to have breast lumps or other breast changes diagnosed. Always consult with your doctor or nurse if you notice any breast changes.

What are certain breast changes that may indicate the presence of breast cancer?

It's important to be aware of the possible symptoms of breast cancer, although benign breast conditions can also cause them. If you notice any changes in your breast(s), such as a lump, nipple, or skin change, it's best to check with your doctor or nurse.

The following are the most common symptoms of breast cancer: 

• Being aware of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer is crucial. Breast cancer symptoms may consist of a lump or a firm sensation in or near the breast or under the arm, thick or firm tissue in or around the breast or under the arm, or a change in the size or shape of the breast. It is important to check these symptoms and consult a medical provider if you notice any changes. While most lumps are not cancerous, it's always best to get them checked by a healthcare professional. 
• Another symptom to look out for is nipple changes or discharge, such as fluid from the nipple that is not breast milk. Although these symptoms can sometimes indicate breast cancer, they can also be caused by birth control pills, medication, or infections. 
• Suppose you notice any skin changes on your breast or nipple, such as itching, redness, darkening, scaling, swelling, dimples, or wrinkles that don't go away. In that case, seeking medical attention as soon as possible is important. Remember, early detection plays a vital role in the battle against breast cancer.

It's worth noting that while certain breast altercations can be felt or seen, others can only be detected during an imaging procedure such as a mammogram, MRI, or ultrasound.

How do we find these breast changes? 

It is crucial to monitor any changes to your breasts and consult your doctor or nurse immediately if you notice any. Make sure to familiarize yourself with how your breasts normally feel, such as during your daily routine, to make it easier to detect any changes. However, regular breast self-exams have not been scientifically proven to reduce death risks from breast cancer.

When breast cancer develops between mammograms, it is called interval breast cancer. These types of cancers are usually larger, grow and spread more rapidly, and have a worse result than breast cancers found during a screening mammogram. Therefore, it's crucial to take any breast changes seriously and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

How to interpret screening mammogram results?

Getting a screening mammogram can help identify early signs of breast cancer and detect tumors that are too small to be felt.

• If your mammogram results show normal, your breast tissue is free from any mass or calcification. 
• However, if the results are abnormal, an unusual change was found in your breast. While many breast changes detected through mammograms are not cancerous, following up with your doctor or nurse for recommended tests is essential. 
• If you don't receive your mammogram results, it's crucial to call your doctor or nurse as soon as possible.

How does one prepare for a diagnostic mammogram near you?

If you are someone who experiences menstrual or monthly periods, it is recommended to schedule your diagnostic mammogram appointment one week after the start of your period. This is because the breasts are less tender during this time, and you will likely experience less discomfort or pain when your breasts are pressed between two plates to take the X-ray images.

If you have breast implants, it is important to inform the hospital, clinic, or radiology practice about this so they can schedule a longer appointment. This is because the presence of implants requires more time to ensure that clear and accurate images are taken.

When scheduling a diagnostic mammogram near you, avoid using deodorant, perfume, lotion, or talcum powder on the day of your appointment. This is because these substances may show up as shadows on your mammogram. Additionally, you have had previous mammograms at other centers. In that case, bringing them with you to your appointment is recommended to compare them with the new diagnostic mammogram. Lastly, wearing a two-piece outfit to the appointment is better, so you only need to undress from the waist up.

What occurs during a diagnostic mammogram?

After undressing, a radiographer will explain the procedure and ask questions, such as if you have had a previous mammogram, prior breast procedures, or a family history of breast disease. During the procedure, each breast will be placed between two special plates and compressed by the X-ray machine for a few seconds while X-rays are taken. At least two images of each breast will be captured. A specially trained radiographer (medical imaging technologist) will perform the mammography and compression. Although the compression may be uncomfortable and painful, it lasts only seconds. Without compression, the X-rays would be blurry, making it difficult to detect any abnormality. Compression also reduces the amount of radiation required for the mammogram.

Finding the best oncologist near you

Choosing the right doctor can be a task. But don't worry; you can find some of the best oncologists near you in the country. through Zocdoc. It is a platform that lets you look up the top mammograms near you through its easy-to-navigate website. Simply enter your health issue or type of medical practitioner, area and zip code, preferred date and time of appointment, and medical insurance plan in the search bar. Zocdoc will immediately curate a list of the best available consultants from its extensive database to align with your requirements. You can screen these results based on gender, location, availability, fluent languages, etc.

Every practitioner has a unique professional profile with essential information about the doctor, such as their educational qualifications, years of practice, licenses, and hospital affiliations. You can also make a note of the kind of insurance they accept. Further, you read authentic ratings and reviews from previous patients to assist you in making the right decision. 

Once you've chosen the best oncologist, you can make an online or in-person appointment. The best part is that all bookings on Zocdoc are simple, secure, and 100% free!

Breast cancer statistics 

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer affecting the population. The American Cancer Society has an estimated 300,590 new breast cancer cases in the country in 2023. Furthermore, they have estimated over 43,700 deaths due to breast cancer. 

According to the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR), in 2022, the incidence rate of female breast cancer between 2015-2019 was around 128.1, while its death rate was 19.6.

Sources

American Cancer Society

InsideRadiology

Mayo Clinic

National Cancer Institute[1]

National Cancer Institute[2]

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately.