Application of the topical gel, lidocaine, prior to a mammography appears to reduce discomfort caused by the procedure. These results were recently published in the journal Radiology.

Mammograms, or an x-ray of the breast, are recommended for women 40 years or older as screening for breast cancer. However, the procedure is associated with pain caused by pressure on the breast tissue itself. Researchers have been evaluating ways in which to increase compliance with mammography for all women, including the reduction of physical discomfort caused by the procedure itself.

Researchers from the Mountain States Tumor Institution (MSTI) in Boise, Idaho recently conducted a clinical trial to evaluate ways in which to relieve pain associated with mammography. This trial included 418 women aged 32 to 89 years who were to undergo a mammogram and expected substantial discomfort with the procedure. Patients were given either acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and/or lidocaine gel prior to the procedure. Read the full story. Read full story.