Understanding Mammography
 Mammography is currently the best available screening method for both breast cancer and non-cancerous breast issues or abnormalities. It also serves as an important tool to guide surgical biopsies should it become necessary. A dedicated machine, designed specifically for breast imaging, directs a low energy x-ray beam through the breast to produce very high quality images. In many cases, a mammogram can detect breast cancer before a lump or mass can be felt; and early detection allows more treatment options.

If something appears abnormal, or more detailed images are needed, magnified views or specially angled films are taken during the mammogram. Regular screening mammograms can decrease the mortality of breast cancer by 30%. The majority of breast cancers are associated with abnormal mammographic findings. Women should get yearly mammograms starting at age 40 (although some groups recommend starting at 50), and women with a family history may want to begin even earlier.


How is a mammogram performed?
 A registered female radiologic technologist, who is an expert in the operation of Midtown Imaging’s X-ray equipment, will perform your examination. Midtown Imaging offers you the convenience of private changing areas as well as a separate women’s waiting room. Mammograms involve two x-rays of each breast, one from the side of the breast, and one from the top. The breast is slightly compressed during the x-ray, improving the image by bringing the breast tissue closer to the film. The pressure may be slightly uncomfortable but by no means painful. The procedure usually lasts only a few seconds.

General Breast Health Information
Between the ages of 20 and 39, every woman should have a clinical breast exam every 3 years; and after age 40 every woman should have a clinical breast exam done each year. A clinical breast exam is an exam done by a health professional to feel for lumps and look for changes in the size or shape of your breasts. During the clinical breast exam, you can learn how to do a breast self-exam. Every woman should do a self-breast exam once a month, about a week after her period ends. If you find any changes in your breasts, you should contact your doctor. About 15% of tumors cannot be felt but can be detected by regular mammography screening.

Risk Factors
 The cause of breast cancer is unknown. The risk of breast cancer increases throughout a woman's lifetime. At the age of 30, approximately 1 of every 2,525 women will develop breast cancer. By the time a woman reaches 80, the lifetime risk increases to 1 in 10. Women should be aware of several other known risk factors:

  • Family history (mother, sister, daughter or two or more close relatives) of diagnosis of breast cancer.
  • First pregnancy after the age of 30, or no pregnancies.
  • Menstruation before the age of 12
  • Onset of menopause at a late age
  • Obesity
  • Previous personal history of breast cancer

It is Important to note that most women who develop breast cancer have no family history of the disease and do not have any other specific noted risk factor.

Symptoms
While most breast masses are benign or non-cancerous, all must be evaluated. Some symptoms to be aware of include:

  • Persistent lump or thickening
  • Nipple discharge
  • Breast pain or swelling
  • Skin dimpling

Early detection allows prevention of serious illness or death. Women discover most breast cancers themselves. It is recommended that women:

  • Perform regular breast self-examinations
  • Have an annual clinical exam by a physician

Although mammography is currently the most effective method of detecting breast cancer, a diagnosed “normal" mammogram does not guarantee the total absence of cancer in the future.

Preparation
 Before the exam, the patient should not use deodorant, powder, or lotion in the breast and underarm area. Residue from these can create misleading examination results.

Because compression of the breast is necessary, the patient should avoid scheduling appointments prior to menstruation, or when breasts are tender.

The exam requires being disrobed from the waist up; therefore two-piece outfits may be more comfortable.

Results of your exam
Your exam will be interpreted by a Board Certified Radiologist specializing in Mammography interpretation and then phoned, faxed, or mailed to your referring physician promptly.