THE VALUE OF PREOPERATIVE MAMMOGRAMS IN NONONCOLOGIC BREAST SURGERY

It remains unclear whether preoperative mammograms are necessary in yo ung patients having nononcologic breast surgery, Various authors have recommended mammography in all such cases, in conflict with guidelines from the American Cancer Society, We conducted a retrospective study to determine the utility of preoperative mammograms in young women, Fr om 1989 through 1994, 208 patients under 35 years of age had elective breast surgery in our institution, Fifty-one (24.5%) had preoperative mammogaphy. No malignancies were diagnosed, We believe mammograms are not routinely needed before elective breast surgery in patients under 35 years of age.