Screening and diagnostic mammograms are the “gold standard” in breast cancer detection
A mammogram is an x-ray examination of the breast, used to detect and diagnose breast diseases. Mammography is a very safe procedure that uses low doses of radiation to produce high-quality x-rays (see About Your Exam). Digital Mammography offers greater accuracy among women under the age of 50 and women with dense breasts. Also, there is no waiting for film to develop allowing the radiologist to read the exam quickly for timely results to your doctor.
At the Carol Milgard Breast Center, we provide the newest digital mammogram technology, using specially designed digital detectors to produce an image that can be displayed on a high-resolution computer monitor. These images are transmitted and stored just like computer files.
All mammograms at the Carol Milgard Breast Center are performed in a private suite by a female, certified technologist with advanced training in mammography. A typical screening mammogram consists of two views of each breast, one from above, another from the side. Images are obtained by compressing your breast tissue between two plastic plates, also referred to as compression paddles. Find out more about how you should prepare for your digital mammogram.
Digital mammography is read by a mammographer, a radiologist specialized in mammography, and then CAD (Computer Aided Diagnosis). CAD is used to take a second look at the breast images and will mark areas of concern for the radiologist to re-examine.
Needle Localization
A needle localization breast biopsy is done when a mammogram or an ultrasound test shows tissue that does not seem normal. During the procdure a radiologist places a wire next to an abnormal area of breast tissue. The wire serves as a marker for the surgeon doing a breast biopsy.
Needle localization is performed the same day as a breast biopsy to help increases the accuracy of removing abnormal breast tissue.
Find out more
Read our Fast Facts for answers to the questions below.
- What will my mammogram be like?
- What happens if an abnormality is spotted? Does that mean I have cancer?
- Why is a “baseline mammography” important?
- How often should I get a mammogram?
- Does a mammogram hurt?
- How much radiation am I exposed to?
- My doctor told me I needed to get more tests. Why?
- Will my breast implants “pop” if I have a mammogram?
- What is a mammogram with breast implants like?
- Should I have a mammogram if I’m breast feeding?
- Breast cancer doesn’t run in my family. Why do I need a mammogram?
- What are some of the risk factors associated with breast cancer?
- How accurate is a mammogram?
- What is CAD (computer aided diagnostics)?
- Why is early detection so important?
- What is a wire localization?
