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Huntsman Cancer Institute and 人妻中出视频 of Utah 人妻中出视频 (U of U 人妻中出视频) recommend all women receive breast cancer screening every year, starting at age 40. Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat. Some women wonder whether a mammogram will work for their breast type.
Breast radiologist Nicole Winkler, MD, answers common questions women ask about whether mammograms work for small breasts, dense breasts, and breasts with implants.
Breast Size
Can you have a mammogram if you have small breasts?
Yes. Women of all shapes and sizes can get a mammogram. A mammogram compresses the breast tissue to take an image that allows a radiologist to look for signs of breast cancer. Even women with small breast can have their tissue imaged. Even men can have a mammogram if they have a breast-related issue that requires imaging.
If you have had a mastectomy (surgery to remove the breast tissue), you probably will not need mammograms. In rare cases, breast tissue remains after a mastectomy. Those patients may be able to have a mammogram.
Breast Density
Do mammograms work on dense breasts?
Yes, if you have been told you have dense breast tissue you should absolutely continue to get annual mammograms. Dense breast tissue means you have a lot of fibrous tissue in your breast that can make cancers harder to detect. Women with denser breasts are at a slightly increased risk of getting cancer.
Your mammogram result/report will include whether you have dense breast tissue or not based on the radiologist鈥檚 assessment. If you have extremely dense breast tissue, extra screening with breast MRI in addition to mammogram is recommended.
Breast screening with ultrasound is not usually recommended. Studies show ultrasound finds some cancers not seen on mammograms, but it also has a much higher rate of finding changes that are not cancer. This may lead to additional follow-ups and unnecessary biopsies.
Is a 3D mammogram better for dense breasts?
Yes. A 3D mammogram (tomosynthesis) allows radiologists to have a better look inside the breast tissue. Studies show tomosynthesis is better at detecting cancers in women with dense breasts compared to regular mammograms. Huntsman Cancer Institute and 人妻中出视频 of Utah 人妻中出视频 facilities all offer tomosynthesis as standard practice at all facilities.
Breast Implants
Can I have a mammogram with breast implants?
Yes. If you have breast implants, keep getting annual mammograms. Implants may make it harder for a mammogram to detect breast cancer, but mammograms are still the best screening test.
How does a mammogram work if you have breast implants?
The technologist takes four images of each breast: two with the implant in the image, and two with the implant pushed out of the image. This gets as much breast tissue in the mammogram image as possible.
If you have implants, and you are at high risk for breast cancer and meet other criteria, your doctor may recommend MRI screening in addition to mammogram. We do not normally recommend screening breast MRI for patients with breast implants who are at average risk for breast cancer.
Should I be worried about my textured implants causing cancer?
Reports show that a small number of people with textured implants were diagnosed with a rare cancer called anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). This lymphoma is treatable and has a relatively good prognosis. The typical treatment is removal of the implant. If you have textured implants and you notice swelling, pain, or a lump in your breasts, tell your doctor.
All women with textured implants should get annual mammograms.
More Questions?
Talk to your care team or reach out to the Cancer Learning Center to get answers.
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The critical research happening every day at Huntsman Cancer Institute is supported by the National Institutes of 人妻中出视频/National Cancer Institute, including cancer center support grant P30 CA042014, as well as Huntsman Cancer Foundation.