What Is Mammography Can Help Identify Tumors
Finds Cancers Too Small to Feel
Mammograms can detect tumors that are too small for a woman or her doctor to feel. These small, nonpalpable cancers account for about 50% of breast cancers detected by mammography. Their early detection results in much better outcomes.
- Improved Treatment Options
Cancers found by Mammography are typically smaller in size and have not yet spread outside of the breast. This means they can often be treated with less radical surgeries like lumpectomy instead of mastectomy or with breast conserving therapies.
Limitations of Mammograms
While mammograms are currently the best method to detect breast cancer early, they are not perfect. No screening test is 100% accurate and false positives or negatives are possible.
- False Alarms and Anxiety
Sometimes mammograms detect abnormalities that end up not being cancer after additional testing. This can lead to unnecessary stress and additional tests like breast biopsies. About 10-15% of women are called back for further testing after screening mammograms.
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