Nipple markers for Mammograms?

In the US, are nipple markers (the sticky w/ a bb on it which is placed on the nipple before the mammogram) still used today? Or are the nipple markers not used any more? And if not, why not?

They are often used as a landmark.

They are occasionally used for marking other areas in radiology, such as areas of pain if there is the suspicion of a fracture that is not readily apparent, like a painful rib or such.

Yes, it's the same idea basically as when you get a regular x-ray and they put a magnet saying "left" and "right" on the back board or whatever you are against so they can tell which side is which. I know it sounds like a no brainer but bodies are weird and there are people for example who have their heart on their right side etc.

Mashie

A friend of mine said that the last 2 or 3 times she had a mammogram done that the nipple markers were not used. These mammograms were all done at the same facility. She doesn't have any medical condition that would prevent nipple markers from being used.

Can anyone explain why they think the nipple markers were not used??? Not using them once might seem like the technician forgot, but 2 or 3 times for not using them seems like there must be some reason they are not used.

I've had several annual screening mammograms and nipple markers have never been used. There is nothing about me that would prevent them from being used (that I know of) and each time I've had a different technician. Maybe they're just not necessary in all cases or they're not used unless there is a particular issue.

I had my first mammogram back in December and nipple markers were used.

They're still used. I had them when I had one last week.

Not sure specially for mammography but I know they are used for chest xrays sometimes when nipple can mimic little lung nodule/ mass. Worrying experience at first.

I’ve had two mammograms and no nipple markers

My wife just had a mammogram this week. She told me that for the first time, she did not have to have her nipples or two larger moles marked. She told told me about the markers used in the past and what their purpose was for. The technician told her the reason is they are now using the 3D machines and the markers are not needed with the newer technology. I don't know if that's true or accurate, just what she was told.

When my wife has had mammograms nipple markers weren't used.

I haven't heard of it for mammo's.

I have known them to he give to patient to put on to repeat a chest xray as nipple shadows on xray can mimic pathology.

When I first had a mammogram in 2006, I can't recall anything other than the pain. I know I haven't had any nipples markers used at the clinic where I go now for my mammogram.

When I go for my ultrasound, they do mark my left breast next to the location of my fibroadenoma.

3D mammograms don’t require the markers as did the traditional mammograms.

As noted elsewhere, they don’t need them anymore. I have had them used in the past