Mammography Specialist

What is the Benefit of Having a Mammogram?

A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast that enables early detection of breast cancer. Routine mammograms are the most effective means doctors have in diagnosing breast cancer at its early. A mammogram can reveal signs of breast cancer up to three years before a lump can be felt.

What Does Having a Mammogram Entail?

Dressed in a hospital gown, you’ll stand in front of a special low-dose x-ray machine. A technologist will pull your breast away from your body and position it on a clear plastic plate. Another plate from above is lowered, compressing the breast in a flattened position while the x-ray is taken. A second x-ray is taken in the same way, with the breast compressed from side to side to obtain an image from this angle. These same steps are repeated on the other breast. A mammogram is generally uncomfortable, but not painful, and only takes a few minutes to complete. The images are read by our radiologist. Potential abnormalities are seen in 6% and 8% of mammograms. Receiving this information can be stressful, but a potential abnormality noticed in a screening mammogram doesn’t mean you have cancer. Further evolution will be ordered, such as a breast ultrasound or biopsy. With the results of these additional tests, most women receive a clean bill of health.

What is 3-D Tomosynthesis?

This ground-breaking technology greatly improves the ability to detect breast cancer at its earliest stage. While traditional mammograms capture a single picture of the entire breast, from two angles, our new Hologic Selenia machine has an x-ray arm that moves in an arc around the breast, taking multiple images in seconds. This creates a layered 3D breast image that our radiologists can analyze one thin layer at a time. In doing so, cancers as tiny as 3 millimeters in size can be detected. Cancers found when they are only 1 centimeter or smaller have a cure rate of 98%. The actual exam is very similar to a traditional 2D mammogram.