In the MLO view, the breast contour should be what shape?

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In the MLO mammographic view, the breast contour should be convex. This outward-bulging edge occurs because the breast tissue extends away from the chest wall toward the image receptor in this oblique angle, so the outer margin curves smoothly outward. A convex contour indicates the field includes the breast fully with proper compression and positioning, allowing clear visualization of the upper outer quadrant and tail of Spence. If the contour were concave, it would mean the posterior edge indents toward the chest wall, often signaling suboptimal projection or overlap by the pectoral muscle. A flat or linear contour would suggest inadequate tissue spread or improper angulation, reducing the exam’s usefulness for detecting abnormalities.