Mammography Practices, Procedures, and Techniques for Imaging Obese Patients

LaKeidra Taylor Bell, Ed.D, R.T. (R)(ARRT)®

^*Senior Clinical Coordinator and Didactic Faculty, Baton Rouge General Medical Center, School of Radiologic Technology, Baton Rouge, LA.

Address correspondence to: LaKeidra Taylor Bell, Ed.D, R.T. (R)(ARRT)^®.  Baton Rouge General School of Radiology, 3616 North Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA, 70806. E-mail: Lakeidra.taylorbell@brgeneral.org.

ABSTRACT

Obesity has become a growing epidemic in the United States, and patients who are considered to be obese have an increased amount of body fat and a higher-than-normal body mass index (BMI). A person with a higher BMI will be more susceptible to other comorbidities including breast cancer.  Women who are considered to be obese are at higher risk for developing breast cancer due to the increased adipose tissue on their bodies. Being at a higher risk for breast cancer makes radiological imaging services even more important for these women. Even though breast imaging and mammography are important for women who are obese, the process of obtaining diagnostic images with optimal image quality can be challenging. Patient and healthcare provider perspectives, patient health conditions, and diminished image quality all can be barriers to high-quality screening and diagnostic mammograms. As a result, it is important for mammographers to be well versed with obesity and breast cancer as health conditions, both basic and advanced concepts and techniques of breast imaging, patient positioning, and protocols, as well as strategies and guidance on how best to work with obese patients during mammography and breast imaging procedures.