Manual compression in mammography is dependent on which two factors?

Manual compression in mammography is heavily influenced by breast size and the patient's pain tolerance. When we consider breast size, larger breasts may require different compression techniques or adjustments in the amount of pressure applied to adequately visualize the tissue without causing excessive discomfort.

Pain tolerance is also a critical factor because every patient has a different threshold for discomfort. It is essential for the mammographer to communicate with the patient about the level of pressure being applied and to adjust the compression accordingly to minimize pain while still achieving optimal imaging. Proper compression is necessary to obtain clear and diagnostic images while balancing the patient's comfort.

In clinical practice, these two factors significantly affect the quality of the mammogram and the experience of the patient during the procedure. Understanding each patient's unique situation allows the technician to perform an effective mammogram while being considerate of the patient's comfort level.