Licensing Examination Practice

Illinois Mammography Technologist Licensing Examination Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary purpose of mammography?
• Detect bone fractures
• Evaluate lung function
• Detect breast cancer
• Measure breast density

Rationale: Mammography is specifically used for early detection and

diagnosis of breast cancer.

• Which imaging modality is considered the gold standard for breast

cancer screening?

• Ultrasound 1 / 4

• Mammography

C. MRI

• CT scan

Rationale: Mammography is the most effective and widely used

method for early detection of breast cancer in asymptomatic women.

• What is the recommended screening age for average-risk women in

the United States?

• 25–34 years
• 40–49 years
• 30–39 years
• 50–59 years

Rationale: Current guidelines recommend starting annual or biennial

mammograms at age 40 for women at average risk.

• Which of the following is a common positioning view in

mammography?

• Lateral decubitus
• AP thoracic
• Craniocaudal (CC)
• Oblique lumbar

Rationale: The craniocaudal (CC) view is standard in mammography

to visualize breast tissue from above.

5. The purpose of the mediolateral oblique (MLO) view is to:

• Visualize only the nipple 2 / 4

• Include the upper outer quadrant and axillary tail
• Compress the breast less
• Focus on internal mammary nodes

Rationale: The MLO view captures the upper outer quadrant, which

is a common site for tumors, and includes the axillary tail.

• Which type of breast tissue appears radiolucent on a mammogram?
• Fibroglandular tissue
• Fatty tissue
• Tumor
• Calcifications

Rationale: Fat appears dark (radiolucent) on mammograms, whereas

dense fibroglandular tissue appears white.

• Digital mammography offers which advantage over traditional film-

screen mammography?

• Higher radiation dose
• Increased patient discomfort
• Better contrast for dense breasts
• Limited image storage

Rationale: Digital mammography provides better visualization of

dense breast tissue, improving cancer detection in these patients.

• What is the primary purpose of breast compression during

mammography?

• Reduce patient discomfort 3 / 4

• Reduce tissue thickness and motion for better image quality
• Eliminate radiation exposure
• Visualize the chest wall

Rationale: Compression spreads the tissue, decreases motion, and

improves image quality while reducing radiation dose.

• Which of the following is considered a benign breast calcification

pattern?

• Pleomorphic
• Linear branching
• Coarse popcorn-like
• Segmental

Rationale: Coarse, popcorn-like calcifications are typically benign,

often associated with involuting fibroadenomas.

10. The “BI-RADS” system is used for:

• Radiation dosing
• Patient positioning
• Standardizing mammogram reporting
• MRI protocols

Rationale: BI-RADS (Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System)

provides standardized categories for mammography findings and risk assessment.

• What is the typical radiation dose for a two-view mammogram

per breast?

• / 4