Asymptomatic Mammogram
What is an asymptomatic mammogram?
One of the major roles of a mammogram is the early detection of cancer in individuals who do not have any characteristic symptoms of breast cancer (asymptomatic). Asymptomatic mammograms are a type of radiographic imaging that uses X-rays to determine if an individual has any abnormalities within the breasts that could be indicative of breast cancer (Cleveland Clinic).
What data concerning mammograms completed on asymptomatic women does Mammologix receive from a facility?
Mammologix receives all records of asymptomatic mammograms completed at the facility in client data, which allows the organization to complete crucial data analysis to measure the radiology facility's performance.
What does Mammologix do with the data concerning mammograms completed on asymptomatic women?
Within the mammography medical audit provided by Mammologix, asymptomatic and symptomatic mammograms are separated for data analysis. The facility receives key data points within the asymptomatic mammogram category to aid them in understanding how their office is performing concerning benchmarks such as:
- True Positives
- True Negatives
- Asymptomatic mammograms with an initial or final assessment of Suspicious, Highly Suggestive of Malignancy or Needs Additional Imaging
This data will allow the facility to see where it is performing well, where it needs to improve regarding asymptomatic mammograms and the data points in each category.
What is the difference between a screening and an asymptomatic mammogram?
The term “screening mammogram” is widely used today in radiology. The screening mammogram concept is more related to the insurance and public health fields. The main idea is that individuals should be “screened” for breast cancer, even if they do not have symptoms. Screening mammograms are not always the “go-to” for some asymptomatic women. For example, a diagnostic mammogram would be conducted on an asymptomatic woman if 1) she has a history of breast cancer in her family, or 2) she has had breast cancer in the past but does not have any symptoms that are indicative of breast cancer currently.
Who conducts mammograms on asymptomatic women?
The individual who will be conducting a woman’s mammogram is a radiologic technician. These people will set up the mammogram and take the images for the provider to interpret.
Why is a mammogram conducted on asymptomatic women?
An asymptomatic mammogram is essential in detecting small, early-stage cancers in women who may not have any indicative symptoms of breast cancer. Being able to catch breast cancer early is vital to optimizing patient health. Screening asymptomatic women for breast cancer is important because some individuals may not present with signs or symptoms of breast cancer. It is also important because if a woman has cancer, the screening mammogram can detect metastasis or occult breast cancer that may not be caught otherwise. Occult breast cancer happens when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, but no primary tumor can be recognized within the breast (Altan & Altundag, 2011).
When is a mammogram conducted on asymptomatic women?
There is a debate within the world of radiology on when an asymptomatic individual should receive a mammogram. The consensus on frequency is for patients to have annual screening mammograms, but the age at which this starts varies between sources. Some say 40 years and older (Cleveland Clinic, n.d.), 40-44 years or older (American Cancer Society, n.d.), and some say to start no earlier than 40, and no later than 50 (Moriarty, 2020).
When is an asymptomatic patient treated with a diagnostic instead of a screening mammogram?
An asymptomatic patient may receive a diagnostic mammogram if
- They received a screening mammogram prior with an abnormal finding
- They have a history of breast cancer
Where is an asymptomatic mammogram conducted?
There are plenty of options for where to get an asymptomatic mammogram, such as a mobile clinic, hospital, or freestanding radiology office. However, individuals should only get mammograms at offices accredited by the American College of Radiology (Where to get a mammogram, 2014).
How is a mammogram conducted on asymptomatic women?
Visit this link to watch a short video if you would like to know about how a mammogram is performed:
Video: Mammogram for breast cancer — What to expect - Mayo Clinic
Sources:
Altan, E., & Altundag, K. (2011). Clinical and pathological characteristics of occult breast cancer and review of the literature. Journal of B.U.ON. : Official Journal of the Balkan Union of Oncology, 16(3), 434–436. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22006745/
American College of Radiology (ACR). (2018). ACR Practice Parameter for the Performance of Screening and Diagnostic Mammography. https://www.acr.org/-/media/ACR/Files/Practice-Parameters/Screen-Diag-Mammo.pdf
American Cancer Society. (n.d.). Cancer Screening Guidelines: Detecting Cancer Early. Cancer. https://www.cancer.org/healthy/find-cancer-early/american-cancer-society-guidelines-for-the-early-detection-of-cancer.html
Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Mammogram: What It Is, Types, Purposes & Results. ClevelandClinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/4877-mammogram
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2023, Sept. 13). Video: Mammogram for Breast Cancer - What to Expect. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/mammogram/multimedia/mammogram/vid-20084742
Moriarty, C. (2020, September 28). Too Young to Screen: Breast Cancer in Younger Women. Yale Medicine. https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/breast-cancer-younger-women
Uscher, J. (n.d.). Where to Get a Mammogram. BreastCancer. https://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/types/mammograms/where