Oklahoma Breast Care Center

Why have a mammogram?
Breast cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer in women. One in eight women will be diagnosed in their lifetimes. At this time, we do not know how to prevent the disease, but we do know how to monitor the breasts so that if cancer should occur, it will be found in the earliest stages. Monitoring the breasts is a partnership between you and your physician. Practicing monthly breast self-exam, going for a clinical breast exam and having your mammograms on the recommended basis are the best tools available to help fight the battle against breast cancer. The earlier breast cancer is found, the more treatment choice are available, the less deforming surgery can be, and the better chance are for survival. Mammography has the ability to detect some lumps years before they can be felt and is the best diagnostic tool we have for early detection of these lumps.

•	American Cancer Society recommends that women age 40 and older should have a screening mammogram yearly.
•	Some physicians recommend a baseline screening mammogram at an earlier age, between 35 and 40, so changes in later screenings may be more evident.
•	If you have a first degree relative that has had breast cancer, your first mammogram and regular mammography screening may be started at a younger age.
•	Finding a lump or an abnormality at any age may necessitate your physician ordering a diagnostic mammogram to help diagnose the finding.
•	Inform your physician if you have a family history of breast cancer on either your mother's or father's side.

What is a mammogram?
A mammogram is a low-dose x-ray of the internal structures of the breasts. The procedure involves compressing the breast with a mammography machine paddle to flatten the breast tissue, which gives a more accurate picture while using the lowest amount of radiation possible. A radiation technologist will position your breast carefully under the paddle and take two views, one from the side and one from the top of the breast. Compression of the breast will only last a few seconds and may be slightly uncomfortable, but should not be painful.

A routine or screening mammogram requires two views of each breast. A diagnostic mammogram may be ordered by a physician if a change has been detected in your breasts or if some type of abnormality is seen on a screening mammogram. Problems such as a lump, thickening, swelling, pain, nipple discharge, retraction or bulging of the skin require a diagnostic rather than a screening mammogram. The diagnostic mammogram involves additional views which focus on the suspicious area. Compression of magnification views are close-up pictures of a suspicious area. An ultrasound may be needed to clarify findings of a mammogram to distinguish if a lesion is solid or fluid-filled. A radiologist, a physician with special training in reading x-rays, will interpret your mammogram and send a written report to your physician.

1.	To check apparently normal breasts for abnormality.
2.	To help diagnose a change, discharge, thickening or lump in the breast.

Preparing for your mammogram:
It is best to schedule your mammogram at the end of your monthly period when the breasts are least filled with fluid and are not tender. Compression will be less uncomfortable. If you have had a mammogram that was very uncomfortable, you may wish to cut out caffeine for several days prior to your mammogram or consult your physician about taking ibuprofen several days prior to the exam.

If your appointment is for a diagnostic mammogram, ultrasound, biopsy, breast MRI or a bone density screening a referring doctor's order may be necessary, please inquire with either of our offices when scheduling your appointment. If your under the age of 35 and your appointment is for a screening mammogram a doctor's order is required.

On the day of your mammogram do not wear any deodorant and do not wear body powders, lotion or perfume on the breast area. These may contain small metal particles that can appear on your films as small spots or shadows and may look like an abnormality. Take your deodorant in your purse and apply it after the exam.

It is helpful if you wear comfortable clothing, possibly a skirt or pants, that will allow you to undress from the waist up.

The technologist will instruct you to hold your breath and remain still for a few seconds. Motion, even breathing, can blur the image and make it necessary to repeat the picture. The radiologist may preview your films before you are dressed. You may be asked to have additional pictures taken because of movement or inaccurate positioning.

Results of mammogram:
A radiologist, usually one that specializes in breast cancer detection, will interpret your film. The results are sent to your physician.

Misconceptions about mammography:
MYTH: A mammogram that does not show an abnormality means that cancer is absent.
Mammography is an excellent diagnostic tool, but it has limitations. It can find cancer sometimes years before it can be felt. However, it can miss 10 to 15 percent of cancers. Breast self-exam and clinical exam by a physician must be combined with mammography in order to detect the cancer. You cannot rely on mammography alone.

MYTH: If you do not have a family history or other risk factors for breast cancer you do not need a mammogram.
Seventy-six percent of all breast cancers occur in women with NO risk factors. All women are at risk. All women need regular mammograms.

MYTH: If you have implants, you do not need a mammogram.
Women who have had their breasts enlarged with implants over or under their breast tissue can have breast cancer and need to have regular mammograms. The technologist should be trained in how to position the patient to ensure that the implants are properly displaced to visualize the normal breast tissue.

MYTH: Radiation from a mammogram is dangerous.
The amount of radiation used in today's mammography is a fraction of the amount used 20 years ago. Machines are carefully monitored and the amount of radiation is minimal, delivering less than 0.05 rads, compared to 5.0 rads per exposure in the 1960's. The benefits of mammography are far greater than any of the risks.