A method of imaging a breast compressed with a paddle including a foam compressive element. The method emits an x-ray energy from an x-ray source towards the breast and the foam compressive element and a marker disposed adjacent the foam compressive element. The x-ray energy is emitted over a predetermined time period. The marker includes a physical characteristic. The x-ray energy is detected at a detector disposed opposite the breast from the x-ray source. An image of the compressed breast and the marker is generated based on the detected x-ray energy. The marker in the generated image includes an image characteristic associated with the physical characteristic. The image characteristic is compared to the physical characteristic. A signal is sent when the image characteristic deviates from the physical characteristic by a threshold.