Guide:
- Why Getting a Mammogram for Small Breasts is Critical
- How Does a Mammogram Work for Small Breasts?
- Is a mammogram painful for small breasts?
- What if My Breasts Are Too Small for a Mammogram?
- Are There Alternatives to a Mammogram for Small Breasts?
- Mammograms are the “Gold Standard” of Detection for All Breast Sizes
Why Getting a Mammogram for Small Breasts is Critical
Experts warn of dangerous myths and misconceptions about the effectiveness of mammograms for women with small breasts – and the serious risks for those who miss out on the procedure. Medical procedures are never easy … and that’s especially true when it comes to getting a mammogram for small breasts…
It’s perfectly natural to feel some anxiety about having a mammogram, even if it isn’t your first examination. One of the best ways to overcome this anxiety is to better understand the proven facts and practical benefits that the procedure offers for women of all sizes.
Mammograms work by compressing the breast tissue to create an X-ray image that reveals any abnormalities within the breast. The compression is necessary to ensure a clear picture, and to limit the amount of radiation used in the X-ray process.
Mammograms are 80-90% accurate when it comes to detecting cancerous tissue regardless of breast size. They’re also able to detect cancerous tissue up to three years before you or your doctor would feel any kind of mass. And early detection opens up a whole new world of treatment options.
Overall, you can expect the actual exam to take about 10-15 minutes. It’s relatively normal for patients to be called back for further testing, too. It’s not uncommon to see some irregularities in your mammogram results, and more often than not it’s simply dense tissue or just a cyst.
Little Silver HerSpace specializes in various types of mammography and breast imaging, and we’ve been proudly serving the New Jersey area for over 30 years. So you can trust in the expertise and professionalism of our expert technologists and imaging specialists to make the process as quick and effective as possible.
(For details on Breast Imaging Consults at Little Silver HerSpace, click here.)
Mammograms are the best way to detect the early stages of breast cancer. Regardless of the size of your breasts, the procedure should be a part of your medical routine.
So today, we’re addressing some of the most frequently asked questions (and most common misconceptions) about mammograms for women with small breasts …
How Does a Mammogram Work for Small Breasts?
Mammogram procedures at Little Silver HerSpace work exactly the same regardless of breast size.
On the day of the procedure, it’s crucial not to wear any lotion, oil, or perfume. You’ll be asked to remove your top and bra, and the technologist will then position one of your breasts between two plastic plates (or paddles). These paddles will then gently compress and an X-ray scan will complete the procedure.
Our expert technologists have specialized paddles for various breast sizes and body shapes. No breasts are too small for the procedure.
Is a mammogram painful for small breasts?
Women with small breasts may feel slightly more compression during the procedure, but pain tolerance is purely subjective.
There’s a persistent myth of painful mammograms, but that largely stems from outdated machines that haven’t been used in decades. Testing standards for technologists have also improved by leaps and bounds over the years.
Breast mammography will always be a sensitive and very private procedure. Little Silver HerSpace specializes exclusively in this type of imaging.
What if My Breasts Are Too Small for a Mammogram?
Our expert technologists frequently work with women of all shapes and sizes, and our state-of-the-art equipment allows for far greater customization based on breast size and chest shape. So regardless of your breast size, you can safely and efficiently undergo a mammogram in relative comfort.
Even most men have just enough breast tissue to cover the first photocell of a standard mammography machine. Some men are even referred for mammograms if and when their doctor detects a breast abnormality.
Experts are also quick to point out that there’s no proven link between breast cancer risk and breast size. Breast size is determined by fatty or fibrous tissue, while breast cancer develops in the cells lining the breasts’ lobules (where milk is produced). Each woman has roughly the same number of these cells, and thus a similar risk regardless of breast size.
Are There Alternatives to a Mammogram for Small Breasts?
It’s important to recognize that mammograms are essentially the single best way to detect breast cancer early. When performed by a skilled technologist, mammograms are quick, efficient, and almost entirely without pain or discomfort. As a patient, you’re well within your rights to request an experienced gentle imaging technician perform your procedure.
However, your doctor may recommend a breast ultrasound as an alternative to a mammogram for small breasts. A breast ultrasound is a painless, non-invasive examination that uses reconstructed sound waves to create images of portions of the breast.
These sound waves are transmitted via a transducer device, similar to a wand, moved over the breast by an imaging specialist. These images can be used to find and evaluate abnormalities within the breast tissue – like a cyst filled with fluid, or a solid tumor.
Unlike CT scans and X-rays, breast ultrasounds do not use any ionizing radiation. This makes the procedure a safer option for younger patients and pregnant women. Likewise, the process does not require the use of contrast dyes, so anyone with a dye allergy can safely undergo a breast ultrasound.
For details and recommendations from the experts at Little Silver HerSpace, consider a Breast Imaging Consult.
Mammograms are the “Gold Standard” of Detection for All Breast Sizes
Mammograms are the “gold standard” when it comes to early cancer detection.
Here at Little Silver Mammography and HerSpace, we specialize in advanced 3D mammography (also known as breast tomosynthesis).
Instead of relying on a series of 2D images, this process allows us to model a complete 3D image of your breast tissue. It’s proven to detect 27% more cancers than standard mammography, and 40% more invasive cancers.
Please use this link for more details on 3D mammography, or here to learn more about us. Are you ready to Schedule an Appointment to discuss your mammogram options 1-on-1?
