A mammogram is a specialized X-ray screening tool that produces an image of the internal breast tissue to aid in the early detection of breast cancer. For this procedure to be accurate, the resulting image must be clear and unobstructed. The standard instruction for a mammogram appointment is to avoid applying any underarm products, powders, or lotions to the chest and armpit area. Following this simple preparation step is important because certain product ingredients can significantly compromise the image quality.
Ingredients That Interfere
Hygiene products like antiperspirants, deodorants, and body powders frequently contain dense metallic compounds that can interfere with the image. Aluminum is the most common metallic substance in antiperspirants, used to block sweat ducts and prevent perspiration. Other minerals, such as zinc and talc, are also often present in both conventional and natural hygiene products. Mammography uses low-dose X-rays to create an image, and these dense metallic particles absorb the radiation differently than soft tissue. On the resulting X-ray image, these absorbed particles appear as bright, opaque white specks.
How Artifacts Affect Diagnosis
The bright white specks left by product residue are known as artifacts, and they present a significant diagnostic problem for the radiologist. These artifacts can scatter across the image, especially in the upper outer quadrant near the armpit. The major issue is that these metallic particles closely mimic the appearance of microcalcifications, which are tiny clusters of calcium deposits in the breast tissue.
Microcalcifications are a feature radiologists analyze closely, as certain patterns or shapes can be one of the earliest indicators of breast cancer. When artifacts are present, they are difficult to distinguish from actual calcifications, particularly because they can appear like “little dots of sand” just as microcalcifications do. This confusion can lead to a false positive reading, which necessitates additional, unnecessary follow-up imaging, such as an ultrasound, and potentially a biopsy. The goal of preparation is to ensure the radiologist can confidently identify any true abnormality without the confounding presence of product residue.
Preparing for the Procedure
To ensure the clearest possible image, all products that could leave a residue must be avoided on the day of the procedure. This includes deodorants, antiperspirants, body powders, lotions, creams, and any perfumes or fragrances applied to the chest or underarm area. Patients should shower and thoroughly clean the underarm and breast area before their appointment to remove any lingering residue.
The same rule applies to natural or aluminum-free products, as ingredients like baking soda or zinc can still leave particles visible on the X-ray. If a patient forgets and applies a product, they should inform the technologist upon arrival. The staff can then provide cleansing wipes to thoroughly clean the skin before the scan, ensuring no particles remain to interfere with the diagnostic quality of the mammogram.