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Mammography plays a central role in early detection of breast cancers. Mammography can show changes in the breast up to
two years before a patient or physician can feel them. Current guidelines from the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American College
of Radiology (ACR) recommend that women get annual mammograms beginning at age 40.
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How should I prepare for the procedure?
Before scheduling a mammogram, please discuss any new findings or problems in your breasts with your doctor. In addition, inform your
doctor of any prior surgeries, hormone use, and family or personal history of breast cancer. Do not schedule your mammogram for the
week before your period if your breasts are usually tender during this time. The best time is one week following your period. Always
inform your doctor or x-ray technologist if there is any possibility that you are pregnant. Please report to admitting 15 minutes prior
to the exam time.
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Recommendations
- Do not wear deodorant, talcum powder, or lotion under your arms on the day of the exam. These can appear on the x-ray film as calcium spots.
- Describe any breast symptoms or problems to the technologist performing the exam. If possible, obtain prior mammograms and make them available to the radiologist at the time of the current exam.
- Ask when your results will be available; do not assume the results are normal if you do not hear from your doctor or the mammography facility.
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How does the procedure work?
The breast is exposed to a small dose of radiation to produce an image of internal breast tissue. The image of the breast is produced as
a result of some of the x-rays being absorbed while others pass through the breast to expose the film. The exposed film is either placed in
a developing machine, producing images much like the negatives from a 35-mm camera, or images are digitally stored on computer.
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How is the procedure performed?
During mammography, a specially-qualified radiologic technologist will position you and image the breast. The breast is first placed
on a special cassette and compressed with a paddle (often made of clear Plexiglas or other soft plastic).
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Breast compression is necessary in order to:
- Even out the breast thickness so that all of the tissue can be visualized
- Spread out the tissue so that small abnormalities won't be obscured by overlying breast tissue
- Allow the use of a lower x-ray dose since a thinner breast tissue is being imaged.
- Hold the breast still in order to eliminate blurring of the image caused by motion
- Reduce x-ray scatter which also leads to poor image quality
You will be asked to change positions slightly between images. The routine views are a top-to-bottom view and a side view. The
process is repeated for each breast. The examination process should take about half an hour. When the mammography is completed you will
be asked to wait until the technologist examines the images to determine if more are needed.
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Who interprets the results and how do I get them?
A radiologist, who is a physician experienced in mammography and other x-ray examinations, will analyze the images, describe any
abnormalities, and suggest a likely diagnosis. The report will be dictated by the radiologist, and then sent to your referring physician.
You will also be notified of the results by the mammography facility. This notification is usually sent a few days after the official
report goes to your doctor.
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