If a woman is lactating and requires a routine baseline mammogram, what is the recommended course of action?

When a woman is lactating and needs a routine baseline mammogram, it is generally recommended to postpone the mammography. This recommendation is based on several factors related to the physiological changes that occur in breast tissue during lactation.

During lactation, the breast undergoes significant changes, including increased glandular tissue and changes in the density of breast tissue. As a result, the mammographic images may be less clear, potentially leading to difficulties in accurately detecting any abnormalities. Additionally, the presence of milk can also result in artifacts on the mammogram, which may complicate interpretation and increase the likelihood of callbacks for further imaging.

Moreover, it’s essential to ensure the accuracy of mammographic screenings to effectively detect any early signs of breast cancer, and performing the exam when the breast tissue has returned to a non-lactating state can provide clearer results. Thus, the recommended approach in such cases is to schedule the mammogram for a later date, preferably several weeks after breastfeeding has ceased, allowing the breast tissue to revert to its pre-lactation state, which enhances the quality of imaging and the likelihood of accurate findings.