MAMMOGRAMS are X-ray images of the breast that can reveal early signs of breast cancer.
There are two techniques for creating a mammogram. Film-screen mammography creates a photographic film, while digital mammography creates digital images.
Both methods use the same procedure for taking the image. The person having the mammogram will place their breast between two clear plates, which will squeeze it between them to hold it in place. This flattens the breast for a better image and stops the image from blurring.
The machine takes a picture of the breast from two angles. A specialist then checks the mammogram for anything unusual that could be a sign of cancer.
The test takes about 20 minutes. Some people may feel slight pain or discomfort.
The image of the breast is known as a mammogram. The background of the image will be black, and the breast will show up in grays and whites.
Tissue that is denser, including connective tissue and glands, shows up white.
Some people have more dense tissue in their breasts. This can make it harder to detect abnormalities on a mammogram as a tumor is made up of dense tissue and will also appear white.
The breasts tend to become less dense with age. Less dense tissue, such as fat, shows up gray on a mammogram.
A standard mammogram will usually be mostly gray, with some white areas showing healthy dense tissue. More white on the image does not always indicate a health problem.
Everyone’s breasts are different, so no two mammogram images will be the same. Healthy mammograms can still vary in appearance.
A medical professional who checks imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRI scans, is called a radiologist. They will look carefully at the mammogram to interpret the results.
Any area that does not look like normal tissue is a possible cause for concern. The radiologist will look for areas of white, high-density tissue and note its size, shape, and edges.
A lump or tumor will show up as a focused white area on a mammogram. Tumors can be cancerous or be-
nign.
If a tumor is benign, it is not a health risk and is unlikely to grow or change shape. Most tumors found in the breasts are non-cancerous.
Small white specks are usually harmless. The radiologist will check their shape and pattern, as they can sometimes be a sign of cancer.
