Wednesday, December 24, 2008 maggs asks

Q: what is a spot compression test for breast

what is a spot compression teast for breast exam?

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Answers (5)

PJ Hamel, Health Guide

12/24/08 10:54am

Hi - it's a mammogram, only they're focusing on just one part of your breast - one "spot," that they compress in the machine, as they normally do during a mammogram. They give you a spot compression when they want to double-check one particular part of your breast. Hope this helps - PJH

Lorraine

4/ 7/10 8:02pm

What is a spot compression test?

PJ Hamel, Health Guide

4/ 7/10 8:11pm

Hi - It's simply a mammogram where they highlight one area, rather than your entire breast. If they think they see something suspicious - or simply couldn't see the breast tissue as well as they wanted to - they'll do a spot compression test. Don't stress, OK? These are quite common. Good luck - PJH

marlene

1/12/11 4:42pm

what if you do a mamagram and the result shows that there is coned-down compression views on right breast were obtain in the cc and MLO projection what does that mean?

PJ Hamel, Health Guide

1/12/11 6:08pm

Sorry, we're not medical personnel here, just well-read breast cancer survivors. And, well-read though I am, I have no idea what that means! Your doctor would be the best one to help you interpret this confusing language. Are you having a followup appointment? If not, I'd suggest you call and ask to speak to the doctor who ordered the mammogram; his/her nurse, or someone in the radiology department. Good luck - PJH

Sally

7/19/12 8:32am

Hi,

I'm a mammographer. Spot compression views are the same as "coned-down" views, just using different words.(Years ago we actually used cones to narrow the radiation beam and field of view, today the machine has built-in shutters to do that)

If your report states that you had "spot" views or "coned-down" views it means that the Radiologist asked the mammo tech to investigate a specific area. Maybe because of dense breast tissue a certain area needed to be spread out more through compression. Fairly routine, especially with very dense breasts.

PJ Hamel, Health Guide

7/19/12 9:28am

Sally, thanks so much for taking the time to reply here. Information from health professionals such as yourself is very much appreciated, and helpful to the women seeking answers here on this site. Cheer! PJH

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