Mammogram

Views

Craniocaudal (CC) view:

o rays from TOP of breast to bottom
Mediolateral oblique (MLO) view:
o rays at 25 degrees from MEDIAL to lateral of
breast
o includes axilla
Lateromedial view:
o rays at 90 degrees from LATERAL of breast to
medial
o includes inframammary fold
Mediolateral view:
o Rays at 90 degrees from LATERAL of breast to
medial
o Not usually done as it requires the
contralateral breast to be pushed aside

Describing lesions on the mammogram

Site

Opacity?
o White on mammogram hyperdense
o White on ultrasound hyperechoic
Calcifications?
o Microcalcifications
Benign if no concurrent mass in the
breast, the calcifications are of similar
size and shape
Malignant if presence of a mass in the
breast OR calcifications are of multiple
sizes and shapes (described as
PLEOMORPHIC)
Margins of the opacity regular? Well-defined?
Lymph nodes visible?
o Normal LN: circular opacity with hypodense
center
o Abnormal LN: fully opaque

Mammograms done on a symptomatic patient may have a

skin marker placed on the palpable lump before the
mammogram is taken so that any lesions seen on the fil
may be correlated with the lump.

Lotions and powder may appear as microcalcificatons on

the mammogram thus when taking consent before the
procedure the patient should be informed. Reconfirm
before the procedure. If there is lotion/powder, wipe with a
gauze soaked in water.