What is mammography?
A mammogram is a low dosage x-ray film of each breast that is carefully evaluated by radiologist. Mammography can reveal both harmless and cancerous growths when they are too small to be felt by you or your physician.
The American Cancer Society endorses mammography, along with yearly physical examinations and monthly self-examinations, as the most effective means of detecting breast cancer at its earliest and most treatable stage. Generally, mammography can reveal benign and cancerous growths before you or your physician can feel them. If detected at the earliest stage, breast cancer has a five-year survival rate of over 95 percent, as small breast cancers are more treatable and can be removed before they spread to other parts of the body.
Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in American women. Unfortunately, 70% of women have no identifying risk factors. The American Cancer Society recommends mammography as a life saving tool for screening women without symptoms for breast cancer.
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What can I expect during the exam?
The simple, routine exam usually takes 15 to 20 minutes. Each breast is gently compressed during the examinations and a low dosage X-ray film is obtained for the radiologist to evaluate.
Although the compression may be slightly uncomfortable for a very short period of time, good compression is essential for the radiologist to see all the tissue inside the breast. The radiologist needs to be able to examine all breast tissue, including the tissue along the chest wall and underneath the armpit. After carefully positioning your breast on the mammography machine, the technologist will compress your breast for about 5 seconds to obtain the x-ray image. You can anticipate having at least 2 views per breast. |
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You may be called back for additional views, but it should be noted that these studies usually confirm normal tissue.
With the development of new technology (CAD, Computer Aided Detection), we are able to improve care to our patients yet we will continue to provide results in a prompt, timely fashion.
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What is Computer Aided Detection (CAD)?
Mammography with CAD |
Because some breast cancers blend into breast tissue and cannot be seen in a screening mammogram, Radiology Regional Center uses computer-aided detection, or CAD, for every mammogram we perform. Our CAD system assists the radiologists in investigating your films to find minute breast tissue irregularities. This highly sensitive software dramatically increases our physicians' ability to identify subtle abnormalities and more importantly, potential breast cancers in earlier stages. |
CAD acts like a "Spell-Checker" for medical images and assists radiologists by highlighting areas that warrant a second review. This system is the first FDA approved computer-aided detection system for screening and diagnostic mammogram.
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How do I prepare for the exam?
- Try to schedule your procedure for the week after your period, when your breasts are less tender.
- Please notify the office if you have previously had a mammogram, giving the name of the location. We will obtain these studies and compare them with your new mammogram.
- If possible, wear a comfortable two piece outfit that will allow you to wear a gown from the waist up.
- Please do not use underarm deodorant, talcum powder or cream. These may interfere with test results.
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What can I expect after the exam?
Typically your results will be sent to you in the mail.
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Where is this exam offered?
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Other Questions
Is mammography safe?
The benefits of early cancer detection far outweigh the very small risk associated with the extremely low level X-ray used in mammography. The mammography equipment at Radiology Regional Center is specifically designed for and dedicated to mammography.
It is calibrated regularly and board certified radiological physicists monitor quality control. Our staff and equipment are fully accredited by the American College of Radiology.
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Facts You Should Know
- According to the American Cancer Society, approximately one out of every eight women will develop breast cancer during the course of her lifetime.
- Breast cancer ranks second as the cause of cancer deaths in American women and claims more than 43,000 lives each year.
- 9 out of 10 women can survive breast cancer if the disease is detected at its earliest stages.
3 Keys to Early Detection
The American Cancer society recommends:
- Mammography along with physical examination for complete breast evaluation.
*baseline mammogram between the ages of 35 and 40
*yearly mammograms beginning at age 40
- Clinical evaluation of the breast by a physician
*every 3 years for women ages 20-40
*every year for women 40 and older
- Monthly self-examination for women 20 years or older.
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Related Topics
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