what is mammography test

A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray of the breast that doctors use to detect and diagnose breast disease in women who either have breast problems, such as a lump, pain, or nipple discharge, as well as for women who have no breast complaints. It is a screening tool used to detect early breast cancer in women experiencing no symptoms, and it can also be used to detect and diagnose breast disease in women experiencing symptoms such as a lump, pain, skin dimpling, or nipple discharge. Mammograms can detect breast cancer before it causes signs and symptoms, and they have been shown to reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer. During a mammogram, the breast is compressed between two firm surfaces to spread out the breast tissue, and then an X-ray captures black-and-white images that are displayed on a computer screen and examined for signs of cancer. An abnormal mammogram does not always mean that there is cancer, but additional mammograms, tests, or exams may be needed before the doctor can tell for sure. If a mammogram raises a significant suspicion of cancer, tissue will be removed for a biopsy to determine if it is cancerous or noncancerous.