Mammogram

X-Ray, Breast (Mammography)

Why It Is Done

A mammogram is done to:

• Screen for breast cancer in women without symptoms.
• Detect breast cancer in women with symptoms. Symptoms of breast cancer may include a lump or thickening in the breast, nipple discharge, or dimpling of the skin on one area of the breast.
• Locate an area of suspicious breast tissue to remove for examination under a microscope (biopsy) when an abnormality is found.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: April 11, 2007
Medical Review:	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
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