A mammogram is an X-ray of the mammary glands in the breast. According to WebMD, this test is a screening for breast problems, such as lumps, and to determine whether any lump is a fluid-filled cyst or a solid mass. The American Cancer society recommends that women over the age of 40 receive annual mammograms as long as they are in good health. Mammograms should be used along with clinical breast exams and monthly self-exams.
Compression View
For some women, a mammogram may be an uncomfortable experience, but it has long been considered one of the best screening methods for early-stage breast cancer. During the mammogram, the technician must obtain a compressed view of the breast to gain the best results for evaluation. This compression view is obtained by placing the breast on a platform and slowly pressing the breast with a clear plexiglass paddle. The breast is held in place for a few moments in order to take the X-ray image.
Compressing the breast is necessary to even out the thickness of the breast, allow better viewing of small abnormalities and prevent blurring, according to RadiologyInfo.
Compression Risks
Not all organizations and health providers are in agreement that mammograms are the best means to detect breast cancer. The Cancer Prevention Coalition warns that breast compression may "lead to distant and lethal spread of malignant cells." The concern is that blood vessels in and around cancerous cells of tumors will rupture, leading to the spread of cancerous cells in other areas of the breast. Breast cancer cells can also enter the bloodstream to metastasize throughout the body..
Other Risks
The Cancer Prevention Coalition has a number of concerns related to mammograms. A principal concern is that mammograms are not able to detect the very earliest cancer cells. Breast cancer may be present in a woman's body, and in a man's, too, long before tumors can be felt or seen in a mammogram.
The organization is also concerned about radiation being a cause for breast cancer when patients receive annual mammograms. RadiologyInfo agrees that "there is always a slight chance of cancer from excessive exposure to radiation." However, it further notes that benefits far outweigh risks, because radiation does not remain in the patient's body after the mammogram.
As with all X-ray examinations, women who are pregnant or think they may be pregnant should discuss this with the doctor and the X-ray technician.
Tags: annual mammograms, breast cancer, cancer cells, Cancer Prevention, Cancer Prevention Coalition, cancerous cells, Compression Risks
