This course begins by discussing the differences between a screening and diagnostic mammogram and lays out specific guidelines for each. The importance of getting the patient to relax is reviewed as well as some strategies for doing so.
Breast cushions, breast mobility, and nipple in profile are covered as well as how to choose the correct sized compression panel. Various positioning artifacts are examined, including patient-related, hardware-related, and those caused by software processing.
Next, the course moves into basic standard views, including how to obtain a clear craniocaudal (CC) view as well as visualization of the pectoralis and sternalis muscles. Step-by-step instructions for CC view are provided. Multiple views are also reviewed in detail, including mediolateral oblique, exaggerated craniocaudal lateral, exaggerated craniocaudal medial, cleavage, axillary tail, roll, caudocranial from below, and lateromedial oblique, each with detailed step-by-step instructions for capturing it successfully.
Full implant views and implant displacement are discussed including step-by-step instructions for capturing various views successfully. Instructions for tangential skin localization and palpable masses, spot compression, and magnification are included. The positioning of the male patient is covered in detail as are patients that present other challenges, including those with large breasts as well as special situations like chest wall deformities, side effects of radiation therapy, reduction mammoplasty, post-core biopsy, post-surgical breasts, kyphosis, protruding abdomen, pacemakers, infusion ports, and small breasts.
This mammography positioning training course is worth 4 CE credits and includes a 32 question multiple-choice online exam.