Can early detection save your life?

Mammograms do not prevent breast cancer, they pevent death from breast cancer.

Studies have shown that mammography and the resultant early detection decreases the chance of dying form breast cancer by 40%. The smaller and earlier stage the tumor is at diagnosis, the better the chance of curing the disease.

Screening mammography can detect lesions in the breast often year’s earlier then clinical breast exam. The American Academy of Radiology, American Cancer Society and The American College of Surgeon's all recommend annual mammograms for women over 40 and it is suggested you obtain a baseline at 35

The Mammogram

     Mammography is the screening tool used for the early detection of breast cancer. We use two dimensional pictures to evaluate a three dimensional object, the female breast. The mammogram takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. Four views of the breast are obtained as a routine. Women with breast implants require four additional views to displace the implants for a better look. Occasionally large breasted women may require additional views to get all of their breast tissue on the film.

     The breast is compressed from the top to the bottom in the cc view. (Cranial caudal-head to tail). The breast is then compressed from the medial aspect (the breast bone) to the lateral (armpit) in an angled fashion that allows the maximal view of the breast tissue in the MLO. (Medial, lateral oblique view). If a mass or calcifications are seen on the screening mammogram, additional diagnostic views may be called for. Calcifications are evaluated by magnifying them (spot magnification view) and densities are evaluated by spot compressing them (spot compression views). Additionally, a film may be performed called a true 90° view that allows the radiologist to know where in the breast a lesion is located within the breast tissue.

     The compression of the breast is slightly uncomfortable, but is required to obtain the best pictures of your breast tissue to rule. The amount of radiation required for a low dose screening mammography is less then the radiation exposure from a plane flight at high altitudes repeatedly.