Mammography

Dr, M. Arshad Manzoor

 Mammography
• Mammography is a dedicated radiographic
technique for imaging the breast
• Types
– Screening mammography
•  screening mammography is performed on asymptomatic
women to identify malignant breast pathology at an early,
potentially curable stage . Even before the mass is palpable.
– Diagnostic mammography
• Imaging performed on symptomatic patients, or to work-up
an abnormality found on screening mammography. The
objective is to use imaging to typify pathology and arrive at a
diagnosis
 Mammography
• These are special kinds of X-rays used primarily
for early detection of breast cancer.

• Special designated equipment is used.

• It requires high contrast between the tumor and

soft tissues of breast . For this purpose there are
certain special features in the equipment which
cause increased radiation dose.
 Special features of Mammogram
• Compression is used. To decrease the thickness
of tissue and make it uniform.
• Two views of each breast are taken.
• Cranio caudal (CC)
• Medio lateral oblique (MLO)
• Low energy beam which gets absorbed in tissue
thus increasing the radiation dose.
• Single coated films and thin screens for better
resolution and contrast. It needs more x-ray
photons for exposure.
Mammography equipment
Mammography
 Risk in Mammography
• Dose of radiation / exposure is 0.1 to 0.15 rem

• ( 2 x film) x (0.15 rem per film) x (5x 10-4 risk per

rem) x (0.05)

• Estimated risk of cancer is (7.5 x 10 -6 )

i.e 1 in 100 thousand .

• Benefit of early detection of cancer is much

higher than the risk.
Containdications of Mammography
• There are no absulute contraindications.
• Relative contraindications include
– Below the age of 40 yrs.
• Young breasts amore sensitive to radiation
– Lactating women
• Lactating breast is more sensitive to radiation
– Pregnancy