What is a mammogram?
A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray that can detect early signs of breast cancer. Some tumours will show up on a mammogram two years before you can feel a lump, which may be early enough to spare a woman from a mastectomy or even chemotherapy. A mammogram can also detect a cancer before it spreads to other parts of the body.
A mammogram is an imaging study that uses a low-dose x-ray system to produce a high resolution film for examination of the breasts. Such breast radiography is also called mammography. Mammography plays a central part in the early detection of breast cancers. This is true even for people who have no complaints or symptoms, because mammography can show cancerous changes in the breast several years before a patient or physician can feel them. However, it is important to realize that mammography has certain limitations. Not all cancers of the breast can be seen using mammography; some can only be physically felt in the breast but do not show up on the mammogram study. Because of this, it is imperative that your routine breast exam include a thorough physical examination by your doctor. It is also very important that you perform regular self examination.
A mammogram (also called a mammography exam) is a safe, low-dose x-ray of the breast. Mammograms don’t prevent breast cancer, but they can save lives by finding breast cancer as early as possible. Early detection of breast cancer may allow a greater number of treatment options. It could mean saving your or your loved ones life.
A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast during which the breast is pressed between 2 plates to spread the tissue and produce a clear picture. The pressure can cause some discomfort but it lasts only a few seconds. While radiation is used, the levels are extremely low and will not increase a risk for breast cancer. The whole procedure takes about 20 minutes. According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 10 women who get a mammogram will need more pictures taken, but most of these women do not have breast cancer, therefore try not to be alarmed or stressed while waiting for results; only 1 or 2 mammograms of every 1,000 leads to a diagnosis of cancer.
A mammogram is a special type of x-ray imaging exam used to create detailed images of the breast. Mammography uses low dose x-ray; high contrast, high-resolution film; and an x-ray system designed specifically for imaging the breasts. In the case of digital mammography, the system is equipped with a digital receptor and a computer instead of a film cassette. Mammography plays a major role in early detection of breast cancers, which in turn, increases the chances of successful treatment and survival. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports that mammography approximately 85% of all breast cancers and can detect cancer several years before a lump can be felt. Click here to learn more about mammography.
