Mammography is a low-dose x-ray examination of the breast. Annual screening mammography
is recommended for all women age 40 and over. A screening mammogram is typically
done on women who are asymptomatic (have no symptoms of breast problems).
The goal of screening mammography is to detect cancer when it is still too
small to be felt by touch. Screening mammography usually involves two views
of each breast. For some patients, additional views may be needed to visualize
as much breast tissue as possible or to further compress or magnify a particular
area. A diagnostic mammography may be performed if there is a strong family
or personal history of breast cancer or the patient or doctor has noticed
some changes. These changes may include a breast lump or nipple discharge,
or an abnormality found during screening mammography.
In both screening and diagnostic mammography, the idea is to optimally
compress the breast. The technologist who performs your mammogram will place
your breast on the mammography unit and use a flexible plastic device to
compress your breast so that the breast tissue is more evenly spread out.
This may be uncomfortable, but it is important to obtain a quality picture.
It helps to remember that each x-ray takes just a few moments – and that
it could save your life. Early detection of small breast cancers by screening
mammography greatly improves a women's chance for successful treatment and
recovery
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