Mammography

Several high-profile cases have highlighted the limitations of traditional mammograms in detecting breast cancer in dense breast tissue. These cases brought breast density and its significance to the forefront of the discussion of mammography, breast imaging and women’s health overall.

Most women are familiar with breast exams, mammography, and other diagnostic processes related to breast health and breast cancer. As clinicians and, increasingly, patients realize, the need for early detection is clear: data compiled by the American Cancer Society reveals that outcomes are far better when breast cancer is detected and treated while it remains limited to the breast tissue and has yet to spread to the lymph nodes or other structures.

Breast imaging plays a critical role in early breast cancer detection. These days, most women are well aware of the need for regular mammograms, with Centers for Disease Control data revealing that 69 percent of those over the age of 40 have done exactly that in the last two years. While most are willing to commit to these exams, many struggle to understand what their results mean.

Proper mammographic positioning is essential to the detection and diagnosis of breast cancer. Without properly positioned and exposed images, the radiologist cannot clearly find the presence of abnormalities which would possibly require a biopsy. Skilled, dedicated mammographers must recognize the importance of their role and must always pay close attention to detail so they can produce high-quality, mammograms on behalf of both the patient and the radiologist. This requires ongoing education and a thorough understanding of normal breast anatomy.

Updated March 2023 – see new section, “2023 Study of DBT vs Digital Mammography”

Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT) is a three-dimensional technology that provides thin cross-sectional images through the breast. This technology is designed to prevent overlying structures from obscuring breast masses and prevent normal structures from being falsely identified as suspicious abnormalities.