Mammographic Abnormality

Mammograms do not prevent breast cancer; they can prevent DEATH from breast cancer. Mammography is the breast cancer screening tool that is used throughout the world as the standard method of early breast cancer detection. Countries vary in the interval between screenings and the age at which the screening begins. In the United States, the recommendation is for annual screening mammography from the age of 40 on with a baseline study between 35 and 40.

Ideally, we would like to be able to detect changes in the breast that are considered pre-cancerous therefore preventing a cancer from forming and by identifying women at high risk so that they can be followed more closely.

There are certain findings or changes that can be perceived or seen on the mammograms. The changes can fall into two main categories; microcalcifications and densities. If either is identified on the screening mammogram, additional views ( Spot compression, spot magnification and true lateral imaging) and occasionally a breast ultrasound may be recommended.