Mammography in women under age 30: is there clinical benefit?

With the increasing utilization of mammography, young women under age 30 are being referred for mammographic examination more frequently. A review of the mammograms of 76 patients, aged 18-29 years, was conducted to evaluate the clinical utility of the examination in this age group, for whom the probability of malignancy is quite low and the risk of radiation carcinogenesis may not be negligible. In 74% of patients referred for study of a palpable mass, no mass was evident on mammograms. When a mass was seen, the radiographic features did not influence clinical management. Radiologists should inform their clinical colleagues regarding the risks and limitations of mammography in women under age 30 and encourage more frequent utilization of ancillary diagnostic procedures including sonography and diagnostic aspiration.