Digital Mammography
Mammography is an imaging procedure that uses a low-dose x-ray system to examine the breast.
The exam is commonly used to screen for and detect breast cancer in its earliest stages. In fact, a mammogram can effectively show changes to the breast up to two years before the patient or physician can feel the changes. Early detection is crucial in the successful treatment of breast cancer.
We interpret digital mammography, the latest in breast imaging technology. Digital mammography allows radiologists to more clearly view the contrast between normal and abnormal breast tissue, which may provide more accurate results on younger women and women with denser breast tissue. Digital mammograms are also more easily stored and transmitted electronically.
When should you get a mammogram?
Women age 40 and older should receive a mammogram every year. This is according to current guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the American Cancer Society (ACS), the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American College of Radiology (ACR).
Women who have had breast cancer or are at a higher risk for the disease should talk to their health care provider about receiving regular mammograms before the age of 40. A mammography exam is performed on women experiencing symptoms such as a lump, pain or nipple discharge.
Mammography is the best screening tool for breast cancer available today. But the exam does not detect all breast cancers.
What can you expect during your exam?
A trained technologist positions your breast in the mammography unit on a special platform. The breast is compressed slowly with a clear plastic paddle. Compression makes the breast tissue more uniform in thickness, improving the quality of the image and the visibility of small abnormalities.
While the breast is compressed, a series of images is taken from various angles. You will adjust your position slightly throughout the process. It is important to remain very still as the pictures are being taken to avoid blurry images.
The procedure is performed on each breast. The entire exam takes about 30 minutes.
Computer Aided Detection (CAD) is utilized in conjunction with the radiologist’s reading. Acting like a second set of eyes, the computer-generated reading aids the radiologist in the detection of abnormalities in the breast.
