Which statement best describes screening mammography?

Which statement best describes screening mammography?

• A. It is performed only when a lump is present
• B. It usually includes two views per breast (CC and MLO), totaling four images
• C. It replaces ultrasound
• D. It is only used for high-risk patients

Answer: (B)

Screening mammography is used to find breast cancer in people without symptoms, using standard images to catch subtle signs early. The statement that best describes it is that it usually includes two views per breast: craniocaudal (CC) and mediolateral oblique (MLO), totaling four images. Taking these two projections for each breast provides complementary perspectives: the CC view shows tissue from top to bottom, while the MLO view angles from the side to include the outer breast and the axillary tail. Together, they maximize the likelihood of detecting abnormalities that might be hidden in a single view. This process is not performed only when a lump is present, and it does not replace ultrasound. Ultrasound is a separate tool used for further evaluation or in specific situations (such as dense breasts or to characterize a finding). Screening is also not reserved only for high-risk patients; it is recommended for average-risk women in the appropriate age groups to facilitate early detection.

Screening mammography is used to find breast cancer in people without symptoms, using standard images to catch subtle signs early. The statement that best describes it is that it usually includes two views per breast: craniocaudal (CC) and mediolateral oblique (MLO), totaling four images. Taking these two projections for each breast provides complementary perspectives: the CC view shows tissue from top to bottom, while the MLO view angles from the side to include the outer breast and the axillary tail. Together, they maximize the likelihood of detecting abnormalities that might be hidden in a single view.

This process is not performed only when a lump is present, and it does not replace ultrasound. Ultrasound is a separate tool used for further evaluation or in specific situations (such as dense breasts or to characterize a finding). Screening is also not reserved only for high-risk patients; it is recommended for average-risk women in the appropriate age groups to facilitate early detection.