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We know how important peace of mind is when it comes to breast health. That's why Central Carolina Hospital offers 3D Mammography, detecting 20-65% more invasive breast cancers.
A mammogram is an X-ray image of your breast. It is used to find and diagnose breast disease. A mammogram may be done if you have breast problems such as a lump, pain, or nipple discharge. A mammogram is also done as a screening test if you don’t have breast problems. It can check for breast cancers, noncancerous or benign tumors, and cysts before they can be felt.
A mammogram can’t prove that an abnormal area is cancer. But if a mammogram shows an area in your breast that may be cancer, a sample of breast tissue will be removed. This is called a biopsy. Your provider may remove the tissue by needle or during surgery. The tissue will be checked under a microscope to see if it is cancer.
A mammogram uses a low dose of radiation.
There are 2 types of mammograms:
X-rays of the breast are different from X-rays for other parts of your body. The breast is squeezed, or compressed, by the mammogram equipment. This spreads the breast tissue apart. Because of this, the radiation dose is lower. You may feel some discomfort or pain when your breast is compressed. But this pressure is needed to keep the radiation level as low. It also helps take the best picture of your breast tissue. The compression only lasts for a few seconds for each image of your breast. A breast health nurse or X-ray technologist often takes the X-rays. The films are read by a radiologist. He or she gives the results to your healthcare provider.
Mammograms may also be done with the help of a computer to make digital images. Digital mammograms are done the same way as a standard mammogram.
A mammogram can show the following conditions:
Calcifications are tiny mineral deposit in the breast tissue. There are 2 types of calcifications:
Masses may happen with or without calcifications. Masses may be caused by:
At present, there are no tests to replace mammography. Experts at the American College of Radiology (ACR) and Society of Breast Imaging (SBI) recommend that women receive an annual mammograms starting at age 40.
Talk with your healthcare provider to find out which screening guidelines are right for you.
If you are at higher risk for breast cancer, talk with your provider about: