- Cranio-caudal view - to visualize inner (medial) and outer (lateral) part of the breast, part nearest to markers oftenly is the outer part.
11 criteria of a good quality image are:
- Medial and lateral breast tissues are visualized as much as possible.
- Aim to include pectoralis muscle.
- Nipple is in profile.
- No skin fold or shouder in view.
- Symmetrical images.
- No motion.
- No artefacts.
- Adequate exposure.
- Adequate compression.
- Proper processing.
- Correct markers and patient's ID.
- Medial-lateral oblique view - upper and lower breast part is visualized.
11 criteria of good image quality of MLO view:
- Pectoralis muscle should be visualized in full width.
- Pectoral muscle viewed to nipple line.
- Nipple in profile.
- Inframammary fold is visualized.
- No skin folds.
- Symmetrical images.
- No artefacts.
- No motion.
- Adequate exposure.
- Proper processing.
- Correct markers and patient's ID.
Images may be assessed by Computer assisted diagnosis (CAD) where the computer will mark possible area of mass, microcalcification and macrocalcifications.
Microcalcifications is defined as calcifications less then 0.5mm. Commonly reported as clusters / scatter calcifications.
Complimentary ultrasound shoud be done to:
- patient who is first time doing mammography
- suspected breast lesions to confirm nature and positions
- post mastectomy scars to look for any lesions at the scar region
