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An x-ray exam helps doctors diagnose and treat medical conditions. It exposes you to a small dose of <\/span>ionizing radiation<\/span><\/a> to produce pictures of the inside of the body. X-rays are the oldest and most often used form of medical imaging.<\/span><\/p>\n Three recent advances in mammography include digital mammography, computer-aided detection and breast tomosynthesis.<\/span><\/p>\n Digital mammography, also called full-field digital mammography (FFDM), is a mammography system in which the x-ray film is replaced by electronics that convert x-rays into mammographic pictures of the breast. These systems are similar to those found in digital cameras and their efficiency enables better pictures with a lower radiation dose. These images of the breast are transferred to a computer for review by the radiologist and for long term storage. The patient’s experience during a digital mammogram is similar to having a conventional film mammogram.<\/span><\/p>\n Computer-aided detection (CAD) systems search digitized mammographic images for abnormal areas of <\/span>density<\/span><\/a>, mass, or <\/span>calcification<\/span><\/a> that may indicate the presence of <\/span>cancer<\/span><\/a>. The CAD system highlights these areas on the images, alerting the <\/span>radiologist<\/span><\/a> to carefully assess this area.<\/span><\/p>\n Breast tomosynthesis<\/span><\/a>, also called three-dimensional (3-D) mammography and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), is an advanced form of breast imaging where multiple images of the breast from different angles are captured and reconstructed («synthesized») into a three-dimensional image set. In this way, 3-D breast imaging is similar to computed tomography (CT) imaging in which a series of thin «slices» are assembled together to create a 3-D reconstruction of the body.<\/span><\/p>\n The radiation dose for breast tomosynthesis is very similar to conventional mammography and is within the FDA-approved safe levels for radiation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Large population studies have shown that screening with breast tomosynthesis results in improved breast cancer detection rates and fewer «call-backs,» instances where women are called back from screening for additional testing because of a potentially abnormal finding.<\/span><\/p>\n Breast tomosynthesis may also result in:<\/span><\/p>\n greater accuracy in pinpointing the size, shape and location of breast abnormalities<\/span><\/p>\n AI Mammograms are used as a screening tool to detect early breast cancer in women experiencing no symptoms. They can also be used to detect and diagnose breast disease in women experiencing symptoms such as a lump, pain, skin dimpling or nipple discharge.<\/span><\/p>\n Screening Mammography<\/i><\/b> The ACR and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) also suggest that women who have had breast cancer, and those who are at increased risk due to a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, should seek expert medical advice about whether they should begin screening before age 40 and the need for other types of screening. If you are at high risk for breast cancer, you may need to obtain a breast MRI in addition to your annual mammogram.<\/span><\/p>\n Diagnostic Mammography<\/i><\/b> Before scheduling a mammogram, the American Cancer Society (ACS) and other specialty organizations recommend that you discuss any new findings or problems in your breasts with your doctor. In addition, inform your doctor of any prior surgeries,\u00a0<\/span>hormone<\/b><\/a>\u00a0use, and family or personal history of breast cancer.<\/span><\/p>\n Do not schedule your mammogram for the week before your menstrual period if your breasts are usually tender during this time. The best time for a mammogram is one week following your period. Always inform your doctor or x-ray\u00a0<\/span>technologist<\/b><\/a>\u00a0if there is any possibility that you are pregnant.<\/span><\/p>\n The ACS also recommends you:<\/span><\/p>\n A mammography unit is a box with a tube that produces x-rays. The unit is used exclusively for breast x-ray exams and features special accessories to limit x-ray exposure to only the breast. The unit features a device to hold and compress the breast and position it so the technologist can capture images at different angles.<\/span><\/p>\n Breast tomosynthesis is performed using digital mammography units, but not all digital mammography machines are equipped to perform tomosynthesis imaging.<\/span><\/p>\n X-rays are a form of radiation like light or radio waves. X-rays pass through most objects, including the body. The technologist carefully aims the x-ray beam at the area of interest. The machine produces a small burst of radiation that passes through your body. The radiation records an image on photographic film or a special detector.<\/span><\/p>\n Different parts of the body absorb the x-rays in varying degrees. Dense bone absorbs much of the radiation while soft tissue (muscle, fat, and organs) allow more of the x-rays to pass through them. As a result, bones appear white on the x-ray, soft tissue shows up in shades of gray, and air appears black.<\/span><\/p>\n Most x-ray images are electronically stored digital files. Your doctor can easily access these stored images to diagnose and manage your condition.<\/span><\/p>\n In conventional film and digital mammography, a stationery x-ray tube captures an image from the side and an image from above the compressed breast. In breast tomosynthesis, the x-ray tube moves in an arc over the breast, capturing multiple images from different angles.<\/span><\/p>\n Mammography is performed on an outpatient basis.<\/span><\/p>\n During mammography, 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 clear plastic paddle. The technologist will gradually compress your breast.<\/span><\/p>\n Breast compression is necessary in order to:<\/span><\/p>\n You will be asked to change positions between images. The routine views are a top-to-bottom view and an angled side view. The process will be repeated for the other breast. Compression is still necessary for tomosynthesis imaging in order to minimize motion, which degrades the images. During screening breast tomosynthesis, two-dimensional images are also obtained or created from the synthesized 3-D images.<\/span><\/p>\n You must hold very still and may need to hold your breath for a few seconds while the\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>technologist<\/b><\/a>\u00a0takes the x-ray. This helps 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.<\/span><\/p>\n When the examination is complete, the technologist may ask you to wait until the radiologist confirms they have all the necessary images.<\/span><\/p>\n The examination process should take about 30 minutes.<\/span><\/p>\n You will feel pressure on your breast as it is squeezed by the compression paddle. Some women with sensitive breasts may experience discomfort. If this is the case, schedule the procedure when your breasts are least tender. Be sure to inform the technologist if pain occurs as compression is increased. If discomfort is significant, less compression will be used. Always remember compression allows better quality AI mammograms.<\/span><\/p>\n A\u00a0<\/span>radiologist<\/i><\/b><\/a>, a doctor trained to supervise and interpret radiology examinations, will analyze the images. The radiologist will send a signed report to your primary care or\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>referring physician<\/b><\/a>\u00a0who will discuss the\u00a0<\/span>results<\/i><\/b><\/a>\u00a0with you.<\/span><\/p>\n You may need a follow-up exam. If so, your doctor will explain why. Sometimes a follow-up exam further evaluates a potential issue with more views or a special imaging technique. It may also see if there has been any change in an issue over time. Follow-up exams are often the best way to see if treatment is working or if a problem needs attention.<\/span><\/p>\n A Word About Minimizing Radiation Exposure<\/b><\/p>\n Doctors take special care during x-ray exams to use the lowest radiation dose possible while producing the best images for evaluation. National and international radiology protection organizations continually review and update the technique standards radiology professionals use.<\/span><\/p>\n Modern x-ray systems minimize stray (scatter) radiation by using controlled x-ray beams and dose control methods. This ensures that the areas of your body not being imaged receive minimal radiation exposure.<\/span><\/p>\n What are the limitations of Mammography?<\/b><\/p>\n While mammography is the best screening tool for breast cancer available today, mammograms do not detect all breast cancers. This is called a false negative result. On the other hand, when a mammogram looks abnormal and no cancer is present, this is called a false-positive result.<\/span><\/p>\n Screening mammographic images themselves are often not enough to determine the existence of a\u00a0<\/span>benign<\/b><\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0<\/span>malignant<\/b><\/a>\u00a0disease with certainty. If there are abnormalities, your radiologist may recommend further diagnostic studies.<\/span><\/p>\n It is very important to realize that not all breast cancers can be seen on mammography. Interpretations of mammograms can be difficult because a normal breast looks different for each woman. Also, the appearance of an image may be compromised if there is powder or salve on the breasts or if you have undergone breast surgery. Because some breast cancers are hard to visualize, a radiologist may want to compare the image to views from previous examinations.<\/span><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/kingscollegehospitaldubai.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/COEBT-Seal-scaled.png\")
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\nMammography is specialized medical imaging that uses a low-dose <\/span>x-ray<\/span><\/a> system to see inside the breasts. A mammography exam, called a mammogram, aids in the early detection and diagnosis of breast diseases in women.<\/span><\/p>\n\n
What are some common uses of the procedure?<\/b><\/h2>\n
\n<\/span>Mammography plays a central part in early detection of breast cancers because it can show changes in the breast years before a patient or physician can feel them. Current guidelines from the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommend screening mammography every year for women, beginning at age 40. Research has shown that annual mammograms lead to early detection of breast cancers, when they are most curable and breast-conservation therapies are available.<\/span><\/p>\n
\n<\/span>Diagnostic mammography is used to evaluate a patient with abnormal clinical findings\u2014such as a breast lump or nipple discharge\u2014that have been found by the woman or her doctor. Diagnostic mammography may also be done after an abnormal screening mammogram in order to evaluate the area of concern on the screening exam.<\/span><\/p>\nHow should I prepare for the mammogram?<\/b><\/h2>\n
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What does the mammography equipment look like?<\/b><\/h2>\n
How does the procedure work?<\/b><\/h2>\n
How is the procedure performed?<\/b><\/h2>\n
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What will I experience during and after the procedure?<\/b><\/h2>\n
Who interprets the results and how do I get them?<\/b><\/h2>\n
What are the benefits vs. risks?<\/b><\/h2>\n
Benefits<\/b><\/h3>\n
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Risks<\/h2>\n
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