In general, failure to detect or correctly characterize breast cancer
can be attributed to one of four main factors: inherent limitations of
screen-film mammography, inadequate radiographic technique, subtle or
unusual lesion characteristics, and interpretation error. The restric
ted latitude and display contrast of screen-film mammography are among
the significant factors that result in decreased visualization of bre
ast tumors and microcalcifications in patients with dense fibroglandul
ar tissue. Unlike the inherent limitations of screen-film mammography,
a poor radiographic technique can be improved on and should be elimin
ated. Crucial components of a well-performed mammographic examination
are correct positioning, adequate compression, and proper image exposu
re. Lesion characteristics that may lead to a false-negative mammogram
include small size, a site where visualization is difficult, visualiz
ation on only one view, a benign or probably benign appearance, lack o
f a desmoplastic reaction, and slow or no apparent growth. Causes of i
nterpretation error include suboptimal viewing conditions, outside dis
tractions, lack of a systematic approach, oversight of a subtle lesion
because of an obvious finding, lack of knowledge of clinical findings
, imprecise correlation with results of other studies, and nonbelief.
Recognition of these various factors should help decrease the rate of
false-negative mammograms.