Digital Mammography

Digital Mammography

Digital mammography is an advanced breast imaging technique that uses low-dose X-rays to create detailed digital images of breast tissue. It is widely used for breast cancer screening and may also be recommended to evaluate breast changes such as a lump, unusual thickening, nipple changes or other symptoms. Mammograms can help identify certain abnormalities before they can be felt during a physical examination.

A mammogram does not by itself confirm whether an abnormality is cancer. If an area requires further evaluation, a doctor or radiologist may recommend additional imaging or other tests depending on the findings and the individual's clinical history.

What Is Digital Mammography?

In digital mammography, X-rays pass through the breast and are captured by digital detectors rather than traditional photographic film. The resulting images can be viewed electronically and assessed by a qualified radiologist.

Digital images can be stored and compared with previous mammograms, which can be helpful when monitoring changes in breast tissue over time. Mammography is used both for screening people without symptoms and for diagnostic evaluation when breast symptoms or an abnormal screening result require further assessment.

Why Is a Mammogram Done?

A mammography test may be recommended for different reasons depending on your age, symptoms, personal risk factors and medical history.

Breast Cancer Screening

A screening mammogram is generally performed when there are no known breast symptoms. Its purpose is to look for abnormalities that may not yet be noticeable through physical examination.

Regular breast cancer screening can help detect some breast cancers at an earlier stage, when treatment may have more options. Screening recommendations can vary according to age, individual risk and the guidance followed by your healthcare professional.

Evaluation of Breast Symptoms

A diagnostic mammogram may be recommended when someone has a breast symptom or when a screening mammogram shows an area that needs closer assessment.

Depending on the situation, additional tests such as breast ultrasound or other imaging may be recommended. A mammogram should therefore be interpreted together with the patient's symptoms, clinical examination and other relevant information.

What Does a Digital Mammography Test Show?

A mammogram creates X-ray images of breast tissue that can help radiologists look for abnormalities such as masses, asymmetries and certain patterns of calcifications.

Mammography can detect some breast cancers before a lump becomes noticeable. However, no screening test detects every breast cancer, and a normal mammogram does not mean that a person can ignore a new or persistent breast change. If you notice a breast lump, nipple discharge, skin changes or another unusual change, discuss it with a healthcare professional even if your recent mammogram was normal.

What Happens During a Digital Mammogram?

A digital mammogram is performed using a specialized X-ray machine.

During the examination:

1. You will generally be asked to undress from the waist up and remove items that could interfere with the images.
2. The technologist positions one breast at a time on the mammography equipment.
3. The breast is briefly compressed between plates to spread the tissue and obtain clear images.
4. Images are taken from different views.
5. The images are then reviewed by a qualified radiologist.

Breast compression can feel uncomfortable or briefly painful for some people, but the pressure is applied for only a short period during each image.

How to Prepare for a Mammogram

Preparation for a mammography test is generally straightforward.

Before your appointment:

• Avoid applying deodorant, talcum powder, lotion or creams to your breasts or underarms on the day of the examination unless your imaging centre provides different instructions.
• Wear clothing that is easy to remove from the waist up.
• Inform the imaging team if you have breast implants.
• Tell the healthcare team if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
• If you have had previous mammograms at another facility, ask whether the earlier images or reports should be brought or transferred for comparison.
• Follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider or diagnostic centre.

The exact preparation can vary depending on whether the appointment is for screening or diagnostic evaluation.

Is Digital Mammography Safe?

Mammography uses low-dose X-rays, so it involves exposure to a small amount of ionizing radiation. Healthcare professionals consider the benefits and potential risks when recommending mammography.

The examination itself does not leave radiation in your body after the X-ray has been completed.

It is also important to understand that mammography has limitations. Sometimes an abnormal-looking area turns out to be benign, while some cancers may not be visible on a mammogram. Additional imaging or follow-up may therefore be necessary in certain cases.

Digital Mammography vs. 3D Mammography

Digital mammography commonly refers to 2D full-field digital mammography, while 3D mammography, also known as digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), creates multiple images from different angles that are reconstructed into a three-dimensional view of the breast.

3D mammography can provide additional information in some situations and may be particularly useful when evaluating certain types of breast tissue. Whether 2D mammography or 3D mammography is more appropriate depends on factors such as the individual's breast characteristics, symptoms, risk profile and the recommendation of the healthcare professional.

Understanding Your Mammogram Results

Mammography reports may use the BI-RADS (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System) classification to describe findings and recommend appropriate follow-up.

A report may indicate that the examination is negative, shows a benign finding, requires additional imaging or identifies an abnormality that needs further investigation. A recommendation for additional testing does not automatically mean that cancer is present.

Your doctor or radiologist can explain the findings and advise whether you need follow-up imaging, ultrasound, biopsy or another evaluation.

Who Should Consider Breast Cancer Screening?

The appropriate timing and frequency of breast cancer screening should be based on current screening recommendations and your individual circumstances.

Age alone does not determine everyone's screening needs. Family history, genetic risk, previous breast conditions, breast density and other health factors may influence the screening approach.

If you are unsure when you should have your next mammogram, discuss your personal risk factors with a qualified healthcare professional rather than relying on a single age-based rule.

When Should You Talk to a Doctor?

Do not wait for a routine screening appointment if you notice a new or unusual breast change.

Seek medical advice if you experience:

• A new breast lump
• Unusual breast thickening
• Nipple discharge
• A change in nipple appearance
• Skin changes around the breast
• A noticeable change in the size or shape of the breast
• Persistent or unexplained breast symptoms

A healthcare professional can determine whether a mammogram, breast ultrasound, clinical examination or another diagnostic test is appropriate.

Supporting Better Breast Health Through Early Detection

Regular breast health awareness and appropriate screening can play an important role in detecting breast abnormalities at an earlier stage. Digital mammography provides an established imaging method for breast cancer screening and diagnostic evaluation, while the appropriate screening plan depends on each person's age, risk factors, symptoms and medical history.

If your doctor has recommended a mammogram or digital mammography test, follow the instructions provided by your healthcare team and discuss any concerns you have before the examination.