Breast Cancer Screening | Types of Mammography | Mammography Procedure | Mammography Findings | Other Screening Procedures

A mammogram can detect small abnormalities and changes that may be early breast cancer. Below are some of the abnormalities that can be detected by mammography:

• Calcifications are tiny calcium deposits within the breast tissue. Calcifications are classified as microcalcifications or macrocalcifications.
• Microcalcifications are tiny(less than 0.5mm) flecks of calcium in the breast. When many microcalcifications are seen in one area, they are referred to as a cluster and may indicate a small cancer. Microcalcifications are the most common mammographic sign of ductal carcinoma in situ however, in the majority of cases, these flecks of calcium are due to benign breast changes
• Macrocalcifications are coarse calcium deposits. They are often seen in both breasts. Macrocalcifications usually are not signs of cancer and are most likely due to aging, old injuries, or inflammations; however, many clusters of macrocalcifications in one area may be an early sign of breast cancer.
• Masses are organized, solid collections of breast tissue. Masses can also be detected by mammography, in many cases several years before they are large enough to be detected by touch. Masses can also be cysts, which are benign collections of fluid in the breast.

Breast ultrasound or needle aspiration is required to determine if a mass is a cyst. Masses that are not cysts may need to be biopsied or monitored periodically with mammography.

Mammography cannot determine whether an abnormal area is cancer, but it can provide guidance for further screening or diagnostic tests.

Mammography Safety and Regulation

The Mammography Quality Standards (MQSA) Act is a federal law implemented in 1992 intended to improve quality, safety, and consistency in mammography and to ensure that low radiation doses are used. Under this act, any facility that provides mammography services must be certified by the Food and Drug Administration, based on accreditation by the American College of Radiology or individual states that have their own accreditation program.

The MQSA Act contains a requirement that mammography facilities mail women a separate, easily understood report of their results within 30 days of the mammogram. If the results suggest that cancer could be present, the facility is required to provide notification sooner than 30 days. Women may ask to see the FDA certificate at any facility that offers mammography.

Locating a Mammography Facility

Mammography facilities are available in most areas of the United States. In some areas, mobile mammography facilities are available to women who have difficulty traveling to a clinic or who live in remote areas. Low cost mammograms are also available in most areas.

There are a number of ways to locate a mammography facility in your area:

• Contact your local health department to find the names and locations of mammography facilities in your community.
• Call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 for information about facilities in your area.
• The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) maintains a geographic listing of FDA certified facilities.