Mammography

Mammography is primarily used for the early detection of breast cancer (breast carcinoma) and to investigate unexplained symptoms such as lumps or changes in tissue. It is also used to assess abnormalities in breast tissue and to assist with interventional procedures, such as targeted tissue samples (biopsies) under image guidance.

For women with a regular menstrual cycle, the best time to have a mammogram is during their period or in the first week afterwards (roughly between the 1st and 10th day of the cycle). During this phase, the breast tissue is softer, contains less fluid and is generally less sensitive to pressure.

After the menopause, the timing of the examination within the month is no longer relevant.

In the event of acute symptoms such as breast pain, a palpable lump or other changes, the examination should be carried out promptly, regardless of the menstrual cycle.

To ensure the most accurate assessment of your mammogram, we ask that you refrain from using deodorant, talcum powder, body lotion, creams or ointments on your breasts and underarms on the day of the examination.

Many of these products contain fine aluminium or mineral particles, which may be visible on the X-ray images. These residues can mimic microcalcifications – a finding that may also be an early sign of breast cancer. To avoid misinterpretations and unnecessary further investigations, it is important that the skin in the examination area is clean and free of any products.

Of course, you do not have to go without feeling fresh on the day of your examination. We have everything you need ready for you in our changing rooms:

• Cleaning facilities: Gentle cleansing lotions and fresh towels are available for you to use, so you can easily remove any deodorant or lotions you have applied before the examination.
• Refreshment afterwards: Immediately after the examination, you can freshen up as usual in the privacy of the changing cubicle. A skin-friendly deodorant is also provided there for your use.

Examination procedure

The examination usually takes around 20 minutes.

After undressing the upper body and removing any make-up in the changing room, the breast is positioned on the examination table for the scan.

Breast compression

During the examination, the breast is compressed for a few seconds. This may feel uncomfortable, but it is an important part of the examination and plays a key role in ensuring a safe and accurate diagnosis.

Compression offers several key benefits:

• Optimal image quality: Gentle compression ensures the breast tissue is evenly distributed, reduces tissue overlap and allows even the smallest changes to be reliably detected.
• Lower radiation exposure: The flatter the breast is positioned, the lower the radiation dose required to produce a high-quality image.
• Sharp and informative images: Compression reduces movement during the scan, thereby preventing blurred images. As a result, repeat scans are usually not necessary.

Compression lasts only a few seconds and is automatically released immediately after the image is taken. Our experienced specialist staff will be with you throughout the entire examination and will ensure that it is as comfortable as possible.

X-rays

X-rays are then taken of each breast in two planes, resulting in at least four images.

The first image shows the breast from top to bottom (craniocaudal projection). The second image shows the breast from the side (mediolateral projection). This is carried out using tomosynthesis, a technique that reduces tissue overlap. Our tomosynthesis device uses the same radiation dose as a conventional 2D image. With other devices, the radiation dose can be up to 1.5 times higher.

The combination of the different imaging angles allows for a comprehensive view of the breast. This enables changes or abnormalities to be detected more reliably and assessed more accurately.

It is important to stand still during the brief imaging session. The images are then digitally processed and carefully assessed by a radiologist.

Ultrasound

Depending on the individual clinical presentation, the mammogram may be supplemented by a breast ultrasound scan. Where necessary, this is carried out immediately afterwards and contributes to a comprehensive diagnostic assessment. The breast ultrasound is performed personally by the radiologist. This also gives you the opportunity to clarify any questions you may have in a face-to-face consultation.

For women with breast implants, safety and diagnostic accuracy are our top priorities at Zuger Kantonsspital. We therefore generally recommend a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the breast following breast implant surgery. Breast MRI is regarded as the gold standard in diagnostic imaging: it does not involve X-rays, does not put pressure on the implants and allows for a particularly precise assessment of both the breast tissue and the implants.

Your well-being is of particular importance to us. Should you not wish to have a breast MRI – for example, due to claustrophobia or other personal reasons – we will discuss suitable alternatives with you. Depending on your individual circumstances, a combination of high-resolution breast ultrasound and specialised mammography may be a sensible alternative. Our experienced team will provide you with comprehensive advice and work with you to find the examination method that is right for you.

Are you pregnant, or do you suspect you might be? Please let us know straight away. In this case, we will reassess the benefits and risks. The examination will only be carried out if it is medically justifiable, taking into account all protective measures to safeguard the unborn child.

In 2026, the Canton of Zug began work on introducing a cantonal breast cancer screening programme. The aim of this programme is to detect breast cancer as early as possible and thereby improve the chances of successful treatment.

The organised screening programme is aimed at women aged between 50 and 75 and provides regular mammography screening in accordance with a uniform quality standard.

The Radiology Department at Zug Kantonsspital supports this important service with its experience and expertise in breast imaging.

Further information is available at Swiss Cancer Screening.

Using modern ultrasound and mammography techniques, suspicious changes in breast tissue can be precisely localised. Where necessary, biopsies are taken under image guidance so that they can subsequently be examined in the laboratory, enabling an accurate diagnosis to be made.

If small changes are present that are only visible on mammography (e.g. microcalcifications), a 3D tomosynthesis-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy is performed. This allows the lesion to be localised with millimetre precision and enables a precise tissue sample to be taken. In certain cases, an additional mammogram may be required before or during the procedure to re-check the exact position of the lesion and ensure the biopsy is accurately targeted.

If, on the other hand, the changes are visible on ultrasound, tissue is removed using an ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy or vacuum-assisted biopsy.

Image-guided procedures under ultrasound:

• Ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy of the breast
• Ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy
• Ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted removal of benign lesions
• Ultrasound-guided wire marking prior to surgery

Image-guided procedures using mammography:

• Stereotactic vacuum-assisted biopsy (VAB)
• Stereotactic wire marking

All procedures are carried out on an outpatient basis and are minimally invasive. Patients lie in a comfortable side or supine position. Before the procedure, the skin over the breast is numbed with a local anaesthetic, so that the tissue sample can usually be taken with minimal discomfort.

Wire localisation is carried out when an abnormal change in the breast cannot be felt but can be visualised on a mammogram or ultrasound scan (e.g. microcalcifications). During the procedure, a very thin wire is placed in the breast with millimetre precision under precise imaging guidance (mammography or ultrasound). The wire serves as a guide for the surgeon, enabling the suspicious area to be precisely removed during the operation.

The wire marking procedure

Wire marking begins with a local anaesthetic being applied to the skin of the breast, so that the procedure can be carried out as comfortably and painlessly as possible. A very fine needle is then guided precisely to the suspicious area under ultrasound or mammography guidance. The thin marking wire is inserted through this needle and secured within the tissue. If necessary, the correct position is then verified using an X-ray.

Placing the wire usually takes around 15 to 30 minutes and is generally carried out on the day of the planned operation.