RadteraScreening Mammography (2D / Full-Field Digital)
MammoNo contrastBreast
Indications
- Asymptomatic average-risk women, annual screening typically beginning at age 40 (ACR/SBI)
- Routine surveillance in patients without breast signs or symptoms
- Baseline mammogram in appropriate-age asymptomatic women
Patient prep
- No deodorant, antiperspirant, powder, or lotion on breasts/axillae (can mimic calcifications)
- Wear two-piece clothing; undress from waist up
- Provide history: prior surgery, biopsies, implants, hormone use, family history
- Obtain prior comparison mammograms (critical for detecting interval change)
- Premenopausal women may prefer scheduling 1 week after menses when breasts are less tender
Contrast
None / non-contrast
Technique
- Bilateral two-view exam: craniocaudal (CC) and mediolateral oblique (MLO) of each breast
- MLO at 30-60 degrees following the pectoralis; pectoral muscle should reach posterior nipple line (PNL)
- Adequate firm compression to reduce thickness, separate tissue, and lower dose
- Verify image quality: nipple in profile, inframammary fold open, no skin folds, adequate posterior tissue
Series / Sequences
| # | Series / Sequence | Plane | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CC bilateral | Craniocaudal | Posterior nipple line within ~1 cm of MLO PNL; maximize posteromedial tissue |
| 2 | MLO bilateral | Mediolateral oblique | Standard screening obliques; pectoralis to PNL, IMF visualized |
Key points
- Standard screening is limited to CC + MLO; supplemental views are not part of routine screening
- Report with BI-RADS assessment (0 = incomplete/needs additional imaging; 1 = negative; 2 = benign; 3 = probably benign; 4/5 = suspicious/highly suggestive; 6 = known malignancy)
- BI-RADS 0 prompts diagnostic recall for additional views and/or ultrasound
- Include breast density category (a-d); dense breasts (c/d) reduce sensitivity and may warrant supplemental screening
- MQSA mandates personnel qualifications, equipment QC, and lay summary results letter to patient
References
• ACR Practice Parameter for the Performance of Screening and Diagnostic Mammography
• FDA MQSA Final Rule (mammography quality and personnel standards)
• ACR BI-RADS Atlas, 5th ed. (assessment categories, density)
• Radiopaedia: Mammography ( link
• FDA MQSA Final Rule (mammography quality and personnel standards)
• ACR BI-RADS Atlas, 5th ed. (assessment categories, density)
• Radiopaedia: Mammography ( link
Source: Researched — verify against your institution
‹ PreviousPreoperative Needle/Wire (or Seed) LocalizationNext ›Screening Mammography with Tomosynthesis (DBT)
Reference template — verify and adapt to your scanner, vendor and institution before clinical use. Not a substitute for clinical judgment.