A radiologist reviews the x-ray and reports any significant findings to the doctor. A mammogram can often detect lumps that your doctor cannot feel during a regular physical exam. If you are between the ages of 40 and 50 and have a family history of breast cancer, have been diagnosed with or treated for breast cancer, or have a precancerous condition, your doctor may be recommend you have a mammogram every year or two. Virtually all breast cancers develop from glandular tissue. Therefore, the object of the mammogram should be to visualize the glandular tissue as closely and as clearly as possible, with limited and safe levels of radiation.
Most breast cancers occur centrally and laterally in the breasts.
It is therefore, certain that your doctor will choose mammographic views which best evaluate these areas the closest. Your doctor may also suggest you have a baseline mammogram. If you have had breast cancer in one breast or if you have a history of breast cancer in one or more female family members, you have an increased chance of getting breast cancer in the other breast. This is because of the hormonal issues. Also let him know if you have a famiy history of breast cancer or fibrosistic cysts.