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Can mammograms spread tumors?

Page last modified on: October 20, 2008
Question from Becca: Is it true that extreme pressure on the breast for a mammogram can break and spread small tumors?
Answer —Cecilia Brennecke, M.D.: No. The compression is necessary to get the X-ray image, and the compression does NOT cause any abnormalities of the breast. I have seen some bruising on occasion, but it has never been shown to cause or spread breast cancer.

On Wednesday, July 16, 2003, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Breast Cancer Screening. Cecilia M. Brennecke, M.D. and Marisa Weiss, M.D. answered your questions about mammograms, ultrasound, MRI, breast self-exams, physical exams by a doctor, and other topics related to breast cancer screening.


The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Cecilia M. Brennecke, M.D.Cecilia M. Brennecke, M.D. is a radiologist and medical director at Johns Hopkins at Greenspring in Baltimore, Maryland. As a breast imaging specialist, she interprets mammography, performs ultrasound and breast MRI, conducts clinical breast exams, and performs the newest image-guided biopsy procedures.

Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.

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