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Conditions & Treatments |
Breast CancerConditionWhat is breast cancer?Breast cancer is a malignant (cancerous) tumor that starts from cells of the breast. The disease occurs mostly in women, but men can get breast cancer too. It is estimated that more than 210,000 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008. It is now possible to detect most breast cancers at a very early stage. With early detection and improved treatments more women are surviving breast cancer. Today, women have more treatment options than ever before. ScreeningWhat type of screening is available for breast cancer?A mammogram is an x-ray exam of the breast. It is used to detect and evaluate breast abnormalities, both in women who have no breast complaints or symptoms, and in women who have breast symptoms (problems such as a lump, pain, or nipple discharge). When should I consider a Mammogram? Current guidelines recommend screening mammography every year for women, beginning at age 40. In addition, women who have had breast cancer and those who are at increased risk due to a genetic history of breast cancer should seek expert medical advice about whether they should begin screening before age 40 and about the frequency of screening. What should I expect BEFORE my Mammogram? Prior to your mammogram, discuss any new findings, prior surgeries, hormone use, and family or personal history of breast cancer with your doctor. What to wear On the day of the exam, do not use deodorants, antiperspirants, powders, or ointments since these can show up and be confusing on the mammogram. Since you will need to undress from the waist up, a two-piece outfit is recommended. What to bring Please bring your current insurance card and MGH blue card. If possible, obtain prior mammograms and make them available to the radiologist at the time of the current exam. You will be asked a number of important questions about your medical history so that we can assess your breast cancer risk. What will I experience DURING my Mammogram? Exam You will be asked to remove your clothing from the waist up and will be given a gown. You will be escorted into the mammography room. The mammographer who performs your exam is a highly trained individual who is board certified in breast imaging studies. She can answer most of your questions, but if she cannot, then she can ask one of the radiologists who specialize in mammography. If you have not had a mammogram before, the mammographer will explain the procedure. If you have any scars on your breasts, breast implants or skin irritations, particularly underneath your breast in the fold where the breast attaches to the chest, please point them out to the mammographer. X-rays are just like light except that you cannot see them, and they pass easily through the tissue of our bodies. When the button is pressed, the x-ray turns on. When the exposure is complete, the x-ray turns off immediately. This usually takes from under one second to a few seconds depending on the density of your breast. The only time there is radiation is when the beam is on. It is very important that you work with the mammographer to insure that your breast is as far into the machine as possible so that the tissues deep in the breast can be examined.Your breast will be placed on a special platform and gradually compressed with a paddle (often made of clear Plexiglas or other plastic). You will feel pressure on your breast as it is squeezed by the compressor. Some women with sensitive breasts may experience discomfort. If this is the case, schedule the procedure when your breasts are least tender. Be sure to inform the mammographer if pain occurs as compression is increased. If discomfort is significant, less compression will be used. Breast compression is necessary in order to:
Length of exam Your mammogram should take about 30 minutes. What should I expect AFTER my Mammogram? When the examination is complete, you will be asked to wait until the mammographer determines that the images are of high enough quality for the radiologist to read. Rapid results are essential not only for your peace-of-mind, but also so that if necessary, your physician can begin planning your treatment immediately. After completion of your mammogram, your exam is read within 48 hours. Written reports are mailed to you and usually arrive within 7-10 business days. If your mammogram requires any further imaging or raises any concern, we will contact you immediately after it is read. Our ServiceThe Division of Breast Imaging Services at Massachusetts General Hospital consists of eight full-time radiologists, all of whom are board-certified in general radiology and fellowship trained with additional specialization in breast imaging procedures. In addition, each has extensive training in the use of x-ray equipment and breast imaging interpretation. |
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