Find a Mammography Clinic and Weigh Your Risks and Benefits
- Find a Certified Mammography Center Near You
- Risks, Benefits, and Myths About Mammograms
Having a Mammogram
- Having a Mammogram - Pick a good time of the month, be prepared, and know what to expect.
- Ease the Squeeze - Lidocaine gel can help ease mammogram discomfort.
- Mammogram Views for Routine and Diagnostic Screening - Each breast will be compressed and imaged twice.
- Understanding Your Mammogram Report - Learn the terms you may see on a report and what they mean for you.
- Mammogram Images, Descriptions and Details - See images of mammograms with different conditions
Findings on a Mammogram
Most findings that are seen on a mammogram are benign (not cancerous). Several of these types of benign breast lumps may cause discomfort, but they are not life threatening.- Adenosis - enlarged breast lobules
- Cysts – fluid-filled sacs
- Calcifications - small bits of calcium
- Fibroadenomas - glandular and fibrous breast tissue
- Fibrocystic Changes - cyclical hormonal fluctuations
- Hematomas - blood-filled swelling
- Implants – saline or silicone
- Intraductal papilloma - tiny, wart-like growth puncturing the duct
- Mammary duct ectasia – clogged or swollen ducts
- Mastitis – benign breast infection
- Pseudolumps – scars, free silicone, compressed tissue
- Tumors – cancerous growths
Mammogram Technology
Mammography is improving in safety and accuracy, thanks to new developments in technology.- BIRADS – Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System - A standard rating system for mammography
- Digital Mammography – Less radiation than film mammography
- Mammograms and Breast MRI – How do they compare?
- Stereo Digital Mammography – Assists with breast biopsy
- Ductogram (galactogram) – Diagnosing nipple discharge
