Mammograms are a highly effective diagnostic tool. In fact, they are the best screening test for breast cancer at present. Hundreds of thousands of Americans are impacted by breast cancer annually. It is estimated that more than 287,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. This is why getting regular mammograms is necessary. While mammograms are the best screening method at this time, there are some limitations of breast exams.

Limitations of Breast Exams

The medical advancements over the last few decades have helped many women recover from their breast cancer diagnosis. Despite this, roughly 1 in 8 American women are diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lifetime. Regular mammograms can help detect breast cancer early, which can ensure a better outcome in terms of patient prognosis. Even though mammograms are the most effective diagnostic tool, there are some limitations to the test.

False Positive Results:

A false positive mammogram result can be alarming. It occurs when there is actually no cancer present, yet the results come out positive. This commonly happens in women who are younger, are taking estrogen, have a family history of breast cancer, have had prior breast biopsies, and who have dense breasts. The odds of a false positive are higher for the first mammogram. This is because there is nothing to compare the results to. A false positive can cause a lot of stress and anxiety. However, it’s more important to get your regular mammograms and run the risk of a false positive (and additional testing) than to miss the diagnosis in the first place by not getting them.

False Negative Results:

False negatives do occur and women with dense breasts are at a higher risk for it. You can talk with your medical provider to see if additional testing is necessary if you have dense breasts and are concerned about your result. Additional testing may include a diagnostic mammogram or breast ultrasound. In addition to more testing, it’s imperative to do your regular at-home screenings, attend women’s health appointments, and talk to your medical provider if you notice any changes to your breasts in between mammogram screenings.

Radiation Exposure:

Some women are concerned about the exposure to radiation during a mammogram screening. The x-ray takes a short time and the amount of radiation exposure is very low. Additionally, most women only need to get a mammogram annually. The risk of not getting mammograms is much higher than the risk posed by the small amount of radiation during your screenings.

Certain Exceptions:

While the rule of thumb is that mammograms are highly effective and the best screening tool for breast cancer at this time, there are some patient exceptions to this rule. For example, women who have other serious life-threatening health problems. Some life-threatening health issues include heart, kidney, liver, or lung disease. Those with serious health issues or terminal illnesses will need to consult with their doctor on whether or not a mammogram is right for them.

Breast Imaging Services

It is recommended that women who are at an average risk for breast cancer get annual screenings beginning at age 40. This may be earlier for those who are at a higher risk. Talk with your women’s health provider about when you should get your first test and how often you should get screened thereafter.

If you need to schedule breast imaging services, contact BreastGyn Imagers. They are skilled in a number of diagnostic services, including in-office screening mammography, gynecological imaging, and teleradiology in Texas. They are the top location for women’s health imaging in Texas and have helped countless patients understand their imaging results. Contact their office today to set up an appointment!