COMPRESSION IN MAMMOGRAPHY

How necessary is compression in mammography? What is its importance?

One of the fears women have about mammograms is that the compression isn't painful. Many women undergoing mammograms for the first time say, "Wow, was that much compression?"

The compression applied to the breast serves two basic purposes.

1) The pressure applied to the breast stabilizes the breast during the scan, ensuring immobility. This is essential for high-quality and clear images.

2) The compression also thins the breast tissue, reducing the radiation exposure to the breast.