Mammography

Mammography is the process of using low-dose X-rays to examine the human breast. It is used to look for different types of tumors and cysts. Mammography has been proven to reduce mortality from breast cancer. No other imaging technique has been shown to reduce risk, but breast self-examination (BSE) and physician examination are essential parts of regular breast care.

Like all x-rays, mammograms use doses of ionizing radiation to create this image. Mammographers are the highly skilled and specially trained technologists produce these images. Radiologists then analyze the image for any abnormalities.

At this time, mammography along with physical breast examination is still the modality of choice for screening for early breast cancer. It is the gold-standard which other imaging tests are compared with. Ductography, and Magnetic Resonance are adjuncts to mammography. Ultrasound is typically used for further evaluation of masses found on mammography or palpable masses not seen on mammograms. Ductograms are useful for evaluation of specific findings when the mammogram is non-diagnostic. Stereotactic breast biopsies are another common method for further evaluation of suspicious findings.