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Mammograms

Mammograms

Mammography is a non-invasive test that uses low-dose x-rays to see inside the breast and look for changes in breast tissue. Mammograms helps detect cancer early – before you experience symptoms – when it is most treatable.

    Screening mammograms

    A screening mammogram, which looks for signs of breast cancer in women who don’t have any symptoms or problems, can show changes in breast tissue up to two years before you or your doctor can feel them. Current guidelines recommend that you get a screening mammogram every year beginning at age 40.

    Diagnostic mammograms

    Diagnostic mammograms are used if you have breast symptoms or if a change is seen on your screening mammogram. Diagnostic mammograms include extra views of the breast that aren’t part of screening mammograms.

    2-Dimensional (2D) mammography

    Sometimes called “traditional” mammography, this has been the standard for mammography for many years. X-rays are taken from two angles, the top and the side.

    3D tomosynthesis

    Also called digital mammography, 3D tomosynthesis is an advanced form of breast imaging that is used alone or in conjunction with 2D mammography. Multiple x-ray pictures are taken of each breast from many angles. The images are sent to a computer, which combines the images into a 3-dimensional picture that allows doctors to see breast tissues more clearly. Studies suggest that 3D tomosynthesis may detect cancer earlier, particularly in women with dense breast tissue that makes it difficult to see abnormalities. It also reduces the number of false positives and “call-backs,” in which women are asked to come back for additional testing because of something that looked questionable on the original mammogram. 3D tomosynthesis can be used for a screening mammogram or a diagnostic mammogram.

What to expect during a mammogram

You’ll undress above the waist, remove your jewelry, and put on a gown. There are secure lockers for your use in the mammography dressing rooms. In the exam room, a technologist will position your breast on the machine’s plate, and then a plastic upper plate will be lowered to compress your breast for a few seconds while the technologist takes a picture. This compression may be uncomfortable for some women; be sure to tell the technologist if it hurts.

How to prepare for a mammogram

On the day of your exam, do not use deodorant, perfume or lotion, since they can mimic disease on the mammogram. If possible, avoid scheduling your mammogram just before your menstrual period, especially if you have breast pain at that time.

If you are breastfeeding, it is important to continue receiving screening mammograms. It is safe for breastfeeding mothers to have mammograms and breast ultrasounds; they do not affect your milk. Because milk production makes breast tissue more dense, it can be harder to read your test results. It is recommended that you bring your baby with you and feed him or her immediately before your exam to reduce the amount of milk in your breast tissue.

If you have breast implants, please inform the scheduler when making your appointment so that the appropriate amount of time will be reserved for your exam. Women with implants must have extra images taken of each breast.

What to expect after a mammogram

After your screening mammogram has been read by the radiologist, results are sent to your primary care physician and to you. You’ll be notified if there are areas of concern that may require additional images.

Locations

To schedule a 2D or 3D mammogram call the location nearest you.