How Images Are Obtained

• Breast is compressed between a plastic compression plate and the X-ray detector.
• Why compression is used:
• Compression helps spread out the fibroglandular tissue making it easier for radiologists to detect abnormalities.
• Limits motion artifact which also helps aid in detection.
• More compression means less radiation exposure required to produce optimal images.
• Unit can rotate 360 degrees to obtain different views.
• Cranial-Caudal (CC) and Mediolateral Oblique (MLO) are the standard views obtained on a routine screening mammogram.