Our Services
Women's Health
Mammography
Mammography is a specific type of imaging that uses a low-dose x-ray system to examine breasts. A mammography exam, called a mammogram, is used to aid in the diagnosis of breast diseases in women.
How is the procedure performed?
During mammography, the radiographer will position your breast in the mammography unit, placed on a special platform and compressed with a paddle. The radiographer will gradually apply compression.
Breast compression is necessary in order to:
- Even out the breast thickness and spread out the tissue so that small abnormalities won't be obscured by overlying breast tissue.
- Allow the use of a lower x-ray dose since a thinner amount of breast tissue is being imaged.
- Hold the breast still in order to eliminate blurring of the image caused by motion.
The radiographer will stand behind a glass shield during the x-ray exposure. You will be asked to change positions slightly between images. The process will be repeated for the other breast. The examination process should take about 20 minutes.
What are some common uses of the procedure?
Mammograms are used as a screening tool to detect early breast cancer in women experiencing no symptoms and to detect and diagnose breast disease in women experiencing symptoms such as a lump, pain or nipple discharge.
What are the limitations of Mammography?
While mammography is the best screening tool for breast cancer available today, mammograms do not detect all breast cancers. A small portion of mammograms indicate cancer is present when it is not (called a false-positive result).
Initial mammographic images themselves are not always enough to determine the existence of a benign or malignant disease with certainty. If a finding or spot seems suspicious, the radiologist may recommend further diagnostic studies such as ultrasound or biopsy.
Breast implants can also impede accurate mammogram readings because both silicone and saline implants are not transparent on x-rays and can block a clear view of the tissues behind them, especially if the implant has been placed in front of, rather than beneath, the chest muscles. Please inform us if you have breast implants when making an appointment for a mammogram.
Who interprets the results and how do I get them?
A radiologist, a physician specifically trained to supervise and interpret radiology examinations, will analyze the images and send a signed report to your referring medical practitioner, who will share the results with you.
