Mammography (Breast Imaging)
Mammograms are one of the most efficient ways to find breast cancer in the early stages.
A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray of the breast. Many breast cancers take years to develop. It is a very useful tool in detecting signs of breast disease at an early stage. A mammogram can detect cancer in its early stages, even before a lump can be felt, when treatment can be most successful.
The actual mammogram procedure usually takes under 10 minutes to perform.
Mammograms are typically divided into two categories: screening and diagnostic. They both use the same technology but differ in intent:
A screening mammogram is an X-ray of the breast in a woman who has no symptoms of breast disease. Typically, two X-ray pictures are taken of each breast from different angles. Walk-in patients accepted for screening mammography.
A diagnostic mammogram is used to diagnose breast disease in a woman who has symptoms of breast disease or who has had an abnormal result on a screening mammogram. A diagnostic mammogram may involve taking more than two X-ray pictures of each breast in order to gain a higher image resolution.
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Appointment Scheduling
To schedule an appointment or to learn more about diagnostic imaging services at a location near you.
Mercy Fitzgerald
610.237.2525
Nazareth Hospital
215.335.6400
Saint Francis Hospital
302.421.4141
St. Mary Medical Center
215.710.2208
Business Hours:
M–Th: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
F: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
After business hours, please leave a message and someone will return your call the next business day.
Mammograms should be obtained annually by all women beginning at the age of 40
- Those with a parent or sibling who has had breast cancer should start annual mammography at an age 10 years younger than the parent or sibling’s age of diagnosis.
- Women who have a history of radiation treatment to the chest have different guidelines and should consult their physician
How does it work?
A mammogram uses a machine designed to look only at breast tissue. The machine takes a different form of X-ray at lower doses than a usual X-ray. Because these X-rays do not go through tissue easily, the machine has two plates that compress or flatten the breast to spread the tissue apart. This gives a better picture and uses less radiation.
A digital mammogram is like a standard mammogram in that X-rays are used to make a picture of the breast. The differences are in the way the picture is made, looked at, and stored. Standard mammograms are printed on large sheets of photographic film. Digital images are recorded and saved as files in a computer. After the exam, the doctor can look at the pictures on a computer screen and adjust the size, brightness, or contrast to see certain areas more clearly. Digital images can also be sent electronically to another site for other breast specialists to see.
We also offer our patients access to 3D mammography, also known as digital breast tomosynthesis. In 2D mammography, breast cancers are sometimes hidden behind normal breast tissue. In 3D mammography, also known as digital breast tomosynthesis, images of the whole breast are taken in slices (similar to a CT scanner), helping your doctor to see all around and between the breast tissues. Benefits of 3D mammography:
Earlier and more accurate detection: 3D mammography can make a tumor easier to see. 3D offers multiple image “slices” which can help doctors spot smaller cancers earlier.
Better detection in dense breast tissue: For women with dense breast tissue, 3D mammography may offer an advantage over traditional 2D imaging. Dense breast tissue can cause shadows due to overlapping tissue, which hides tumors from traditional 2D mammography. 3D mammography takes images of the breast from multiple angles, offering a more complete view through and around breast tissue.
Less anxiety: 3D mammography can help reduce false alarms. That’s because improved accuracy means fewer unnecessary callbacks to women for additional scans and biopsies.