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Mammography

Mammography is an imaging technique that uses X-rays. It allows to visualize the mammary glands by making them appear more or less dense on a film, according to a grayscale.

Where to go for a mammography

Summary of the article

Last update : 27 Mars 2020

What is a mammogram ?

Mammography is an x-ray of the breast using an x-ray tube. The beam of X-rays emitted from the tube passes through the breast tissue and gives a contrasting x-ray image.

It can detect tissue abnormalities such as opacities, micro-calcifications or tumors.

It is used as a first resort for the diagnosis of breast cancer, particularly with the organized screening that is scheduled every two years between the ages of 50 and 74.

The mammography room includes a device called mammography. It consists of a flat sensor, on which the breast is placed, as well as an X-ray tube, all of which are articulated along several axes. The control panel is separated by a leaded screen to protect the radiology technician.

How is a mammogram performed ?

The mammogram is best scheduled during the first ten days of the menstrual cycle. It is during this first part of the menstrual cycle that the breasts are less sensitive.

You will be asked to remove only the top of your outfit. So remember to wear suitable clothing. On the day of the examination, avoid using products such as creams, powders, perfumes or deodorants under the armpits or on the breasts. These can sometimes interfere with the examination or the interpretation of the results.

To take the pictures (front, slantwise and +/- profile) the breast is placed on the mammogram and then progressively compressed. To avoid any movement, you will have to stop breathing for the duration of the snapshot.

It takes on average 20 minutes for proceeding a mammography.

After the mammogram, the radiologist will examine you. He or she will check the appearance of your breasts and palpate them for any swelling or abnormal lymph nodes.

If necessary, the mammogram can be completed by a breast ultrasound, which will be done at the same time.

Preparing for a mammogram

No preparation is necessary. You do not need to fast, so you can eat, drink and take your medication as usual.

On the day of the examination, please remember to present the following documents to the secretariat :

Your health insurance card ("carte vitale") and complementary health insurance card ("mutuelle")
Your prescription
Your previous mammograms, breast ultrasounds (and any other result that could be useful to the radiologist) which will allow a comparison and therefore a better follow-up.

Image interpretation

A comment will be made at the end of the examination and the results will be given to you if it is not an organized screening that requires a second reading. This second reading, done by another radiologist, serves to confirm the results of the mammogram. In this case, the images will be sent to the screening center which, after the second reading, will send you your images and the report.

If necessary, and based on the results, you will be prescribed additional tests to complete your assessment (ultrasound, breast MRI, breast puncture or percutaneous biopsy).

What are the risks of a mammogram ?

Mammography uses X-rays and is an irradiating imaging technique. However, the low doses received during a mammogram are largely tolerated and make the risk low compared to the medical benefit.

The major contraindication is pregnancy. It is therefore imperative to report any possible or current pregnancy so that precautions can be taken.