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Digital Mammography
Digital Mammography
The National Cancer Institute recommends that women 40 years and older have mammograms every year, with the first “baseline” mammogram between ages 35 and 40.
A mammogram is a low-dose x-ray picture of the breast. The picture can help doctors see any lumps or changes in the breast. It is also a useful tool for early detection of breast cancer. A mammogram takes only a few minutes to perform.
We use a state-of-the-art Mammomat Novation Full Field Digital Mammography System from Siemens Medical Solutions, with comfortable MammoPads from Hologic. The new technology offers you comfort features, including MammoPads and flexible paddles that sense breast thickness for a gentler compression.
For more information about the Women's Imaging Center and to schedule an appointment, call (510) 264-4072.
What is a mammogram
Benefits of a mammogram
Limitations of a mammogram
Preparing for a mammogram
About the procedure
Interpreting the results
For more information about breast health, visit these sites:
About mammograms - http://womenshealth.gov/faq/mammography.htm#b
About digital mammograms - http://www.cancer.gov/newscenter/pressreleases/DMISTFastFacts
About certified mammography centers - http://www.fda.gov/CDRH/MAMMOGRAPHY/certified.html
How to prepare for a mammogram - http://womenshealth.gov/faq/mammography.htm#h
How mammograms are performed - http://womenshealth.gov/faq/mammography.htm#d
How to examine yourself - http://womenshealth.gov/faq/bsefaq.htm
American Cancer Society - http://www.cancer.org/
Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation - http://komen.org/
What is a mammogram
A mammogram is a type of imaging study that uses low-dose x-rays to examine the tissues of the breast. These images are then viewed on special high-resolution computer monitors. It’s important to go to a certified facility to have your mammogram performed.
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The benefits of a mammogram
Getting a mammogram can increase the detection of tumors in the breast early, while they are still small. Early detection is vital because there are more treatment options available.
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Limitations of mammograms
Because normal breast tissue can appear differently for each woman, and because some breast cancers are hard to visualize, a radiologist will want to compare the image to views from previous examinations to best interpret a mammogram. It’s important to realize that approximately 10% of all cancers of the breast can’t be seen on a mammogram.
Breast Self Examination is a very important part of early detection; click here for more information.
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Preparing for a mammogram
A mammogram should not be scheduled for the week before your period if your breasts are usually tender during this time; schedule a mammogram for one week after your period. Do not use deodorant, since this may interfere with the quality of the images.
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About the procedure
During a mammogram, the breast will be positioned on a detector, which will record the image of the breast. Two separate views of each breast are taken: one from top to bottom, one from side to side. A specially qualified and certified technologist will perform the study.
It’s important to realize that the breast will be compressed to even out the breast thickness so that all of the tissue can be visualized. While you may experience some discomfort, it’s important that the breast is compressed to increase the image quality and reduce exposure to radiation. At St. Rose Hospital Women’s Imaging Center, we use MammoPads to cushion the breast during the mammogram to make the compression a bit more comfortable.
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Interpreting the results
A radiologist with special qualifications and expertise will interpret the images and forward a report to your doctor and a letter to you informing you of the results. You may be asked to come back to the center for additional views of the breast. Don’t be alarmed; this merely means that the radiologist may want a clearer image of a specific portion of the breast to confirm a diagnosis.
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