Mammography is an X-ray exam of the breasts. The resulting X-ray image is called a mammogram. Many small tumors can be seen on a mammogram before they can be felt. Cancer that is discovered in an early stage is more easily treated and cured.

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Mammograms are used to screen for breast cancer in women who have no symptoms, to diagnose breast cancer in women who have symptoms, or to locate an area of suspicious breast tissue for examination under a microscope.

Many organizations (such as the American Cancer Society and the American College of Radiologists) recommend mammograms every year for women between the ages of 40 and 49. Others, such as the National Cancer Institute, recommend mammograms every one to two years. Discuss with your physician an appropriate mammogram schedule for you.

Newer X-ray techniques have dramatically reduced radiation exposure during mammography. The low dose of radiation a woman receives from a mammogram is similar to that from a dental X-ray.

Mammography exams normally take about 15 minutes. You usually stand while the test is completed. One breast at a time will be placed on a flat plate. Another plate is then pressed on the opposite side to flatten out the breast tissue. Firm compression ensures high-quality images. For a few seconds during the X-ray exposure, you will need to hold your breath. Compression is released immediately following the exposure. Each breast is examined with two to three angles.

Rapid results are essential not only for your peace-of-mind, but also for your physician to begin planning any necessary treatment. Experienced radiologists will read the scans and forward the results to your physician usually by the next business day.

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