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Mammograms for Lactating Women  

I am breastfeeding my child, but recently felt a lump in one breast. Can I have a mammogram to diagnose the condition?

Several types of imaging procedures (e.g., mammography, ultrasonography. and breast thermography), which have different advantages and disadvantages for screening and diagnosis of breast cancer in women of various ages and medical conditions, are available.

Women who show no signs of breast cancer do not undergo regular mammograms for screening while they are pregnant or lactating (producing milk) after childbirth.

However, if a woman who is breastfeeding her child has certain signs or symptoms requiring diagnosis, a physician may recommend that both of the following be done:

• The woman stop breastfeeding her child
• A diagnostic mammogram or other type of imaging procedure be performed

For a discussion about the indications and procedures for diagnostic mammography during pregnancy, see the question, "Should I have a mammogram while I am pregnant?" The title of that Q&A is Mammography During Pregnancy.




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