Reduced compression mammography to reduce breast pain.

This study evaluated whether reduced compression mammography to relieve breast tenderness is feasible. Women can better tolerate a compression force of approximately 90 N in mammography. The breast thickness increased approximately 3 mm when the compression force was reduced to 90 N, and although the radiation dose increased approximately 20%, the image quality was identical to that with standard compression. Many patients experience breast pain with a compression force of 120 N. Reduced compression force mammography is acceptable in women whose breasts are particularly sensitive.