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Sep 20, 2022 · This image gallery shows examples of what various breast imaging modalities look like and some of the typical findings on mammograms. The breast imaging photos includes examples of 2D mammography, 3D mammography tomosynthesis, breast MRI, breast ultrasound, molecular breast imaging, breast density, microcalcifications, architectural distortion ...
Nov 30, 2022 · Dense breast tissue can look light gray or white on a mammogram. This can make abnormal findings on a mammogram hard to see. Younger women tend to have dense breast tissue, so their mammograms can be harder to read than the mammograms of older women. After menopause, breast density may decrease, making mammograms easier to read.
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- Overview
- How does a normal mammogram look?
- What does breast cancer look like on a mammogram?
- Other abnormalities
- When to see a doctor
- Understanding the results
- Takeaway
On a mammogram, breast tissue shows up as grey or white. Dense tissue is white and contains less fat. However, a focused white area with clear edges may be a cancerous or noncancerous tumor.
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 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.
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 benign.
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.
As well as dense breast tissue and possible tumors, a radiologist will look for anything unusual on a mammogram.
Other abnormalities include:
•Cysts, which are small fluid-filled sacs. Most are simple cysts, which have a thin wall and are not cancerous. If a doctor cannot classify a cyst as a simple cyst, they may do further tests to ensure that it is not cancerous.
•Calcifications, which are deposits of calcium. Larger deposits of calcium are called macrocalcifications and they usually occur as a result of aging. Smaller deposits are called microcalcifications. Depending on the appearance of the microcalcifications, a doctor may test them for possible signs of cancer.
•Fibroadenomas, which are benign tumors in the breast. They are round and may feel like a marble. People in their 20s and 30s are more likely to have a fibroadenoma, but they can occur at any age.
•Scar tissue, which often appears white on a mammogram. It is best to make a doctor aware of any scarring on the breasts beforehand.
Routine screening
Undergoing a mammogram to detect breast cancer in its early stages is called screening. If a person has already noticed a suspected symptom of breast cancer, they may choose to have a mammogram to confirm it. This is called a diagnostic mammogram. Guidelines from the American College of Physicians recommend talking to a doctor about regular screening from the age of 40 years. The guidelines recommend that women with an average risk of breast cancer attend routine screening as follows: •from 40–49 years if a doctor recommends it •every 2 years from 50–74 years of age Those with the following risk factors may need to undergo more frequent screening: •a history of breast cancer or high risk breast lesions •genetic factors, such as changes in the BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 gene •a history of chest radiation exposure in childhood The American Cancer Society have a different set of recommendations. The most important thing is for a person to ask their doctor for the best course of action for them.
There is a standard system for reporting the results of a mammogram, which is called the Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System, or BI-RADS.
BI-RADS uses categories with the numbers 0 to 6. This is to make sure that doctors across the United States are using the same terms.
A medical professional should explain the results clearly. They may recommend further tests to check anything that looks suspicious.
It is common to need further tests after a mammogram, as doctors will want to look more closely at any abnormalities on the images. A call-back does not necessarily mean that cancer is present.
Mammograms are currently the best method available for detecting breast cancer or checking to see how breast cancer is responding to treatment. However, mammograms are not perfect, and it can be difficult to see any abnormalities in people with dense breasts.
A mammogram will look different for every individual, and there is no standard normal or abnormal image.
Areas that appear white on a mammogram may need follow-up tests but are not often the result of breast cancer.
The Breast Cancer Healthline app provides people with access to an online breast cancer community, where users can connect with others and gain advice and support through group discussions.
- (or stage I) breast cancer typically has started to grow into surrounding breast tissues. Breast cancers that are stage 1 either have not spread into the lymph nodes (stage 1A) or only spread minimally into the lymph nodes (stage 1B).
- (or stage II) breast cancers are typically larger or have spread to more lymph nodes. Stage 2 breast cancers may cause symptoms like: Breast or nipple pain.
- (or stage III) breast cancer is often called invasive breast cancer. It has spread farther than stage 2, involves more lymph nodes, or increased, but has not metastasized beyond the local tissues and organs near the breast.
- (or stage IV) breast cancer is the deadliest and is not considered curable. It is also called metastatic breast cancer or advanced breast cancer.
Jan 9, 2024 · A mammogram, whether part of a routine screening or when used as a diagnostic exam, can help identify breast cancer. It can also identify other conditions, such as fibrocystic tissue.
- Ann Pietrangelo
The earliest stage breast cancers are stage 0 (carcinoma in situ). It then ranges from stage I (1) through IV (4). As a rule, the lower the number, the less the cancer has spread. A higher number, such as stage IV, means cancer has spread more. And within a stage, an earlier letter means a lower stage.
Jan 19, 2023 · Casa nayafana/Shutterstock. Mammograms are an effective method of detecting stage 1 breast cancer and other stages of the disease. They can detect small tumors that a person may not be able to ...
