mammography
Flashcard Set: Foundations of Mammography
Q: What is mammography?
A: A specialized medical imaging technique that uses low-dose x-rays to examine the breast for early detection of disease.
Q: What has mammography helped reduce in the U.S. since 1990?
A: Mortality from breast cancer by nearly 1/3.
Q: How early can mammography detect changes in breast tissue before they are felt?
A: Up to 2 years earlier.
Q: What is the lifetime risk of invasive breast cancer for American women?
A: About 1 in 8.
Q: Name three major risk factors for breast cancer.
A: Being female, age, and family history of breast cancer.
Q: What percentage of breast cancers are inherited via BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes?
A: About 5-10%.
Q: Which racial group has the highest incidence of breast cancer?
A: White, non-Hispanic women.
Q: Which group has the highest mortality rate from breast cancer between ages 40–50?
A: African-American women.
Q: What percentage of breast cancer cases are male?
A: About 1%.
Q: True or False: Wearing a bra or using antiperspirant causes breast cancer.
A: False.
Q: What organization promotes wearing pink in October?
A: Susan G. Komen Foundation.
Q: Why is early detection of breast cancer important?
A: It increases treatment options and survival rate.
Q: At what age do most organizations recommend beginning annual mammography screenings?
A: Age 40.
Q: What are the two main types of mammography procedures?
A: Screening and diagnostic.
Q: What are the standard screening mammography views?
A: Cranio-Caudal (CC) and Mediolateral Oblique (MLO).
Q: Why is breast compression necessary during a mammogram?
A: To reduce tissue thickness, improve image quality, and minimize radiation.
Q: How much compression force is typically applied?
A: 25–45 pounds.
Q: What is the technologist's role in mammography?
A: Provide high-quality images, ensure patient comfort, and communicate findings to the radiologist.
Q: What does diagnostic mammography typically include?
A: At least 6 views: Bilateral CC, MLO, and Lateral, plus additional as needed.
Q: Define non-invasive breast cancer with an example.
A: Cancer confined to ducts/lobules (e.g., DCIS).
Q: What imaging is preferred for women under 30 with a palpable lump?
A: Breast ultrasound.
Q: What is DBT (Digital Breast Tomosynthesis)?
A: A 3D imaging technique using multiple low-dose images.
Q: What is CAD (Computer-Aided Detection)?
A: Software that highlights suspicious areas on a mammogram.
Q: What percentage of breast cancers can mammography miss?
A: 20–30%.
Q: What are two advanced imaging methods for dense breast tissue?
A: CESM and MRI.
Q: What training is required for mammographers?
A: ARRT registration, 16 hours of education, and clinical competencies.