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Definition of Mammogram

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Mammogram: An X-ray of the breast with the breast in a device that compresses and flattens it. There are two basic mammogram tests -- screening mammograms and diagnostic mammograms.

A screening mammogram is one done in women who have no signs of breast cancer. It usually involves two X-rays of each breast. The aim of a screening mammogram is to detect a tumor that cannot be felt. Most mammograms that are performed are screening mammograms.

A diagnostic mammogram takes longer and involves correspondingly more radiation exposure than a screening mammogram because it involves more X-rays. Diagnostic mammograms are done to evaluate:

• Abnormalities that have seen or suspected on a prior screening mammogram;
• Subjective or objectives abnormalities in the breast such as a lump, pain, thickening, nipple discharge or a inexplicable change in breast size or shape;
• Breasts for which it is difficult to obtain a clear X-ray by a screening mammogram because of special circumstances such as breast implants.

Although doubts have been raised as to whether screening mammography prevents breast cancer deaths, in January 2002 both the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society reiterated their longstanding recommendation that women over 40 have regular mammograms. The same recommendation holds for women with a family history of breast cancer.

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