A specific kind of imaging that uses a low dose x-ray to examine the breasts is called a mammogram. It is used to detect and to diagnose breast diseases in women. This non-invasive test is a way for doctors to diagnose and treat some medical conditions. It involves exposing some part of the body to small doses of radiation to get a picture of the body. X-rays are the oldest form of medical imagining.

Two new areas in the field are digital mammography and computer aided detection. Digital and full field mammographies are the same thing and works by having the film replaced by solid state detectors that convert x-rays to electrical signals.

Computer aided detection systems use digitized mammographic images obtained from film or digital mammograms. The software searches out anything abnormal such as any areas where there is dense mass. The system highlights areas of concern so that the radiologist can do further examination.

Mammograms are tools used to screen for early detection of breast cancer in women who are not experiencing any symptoms and to detect any disease that might be present. Mammography does play an important role in the early detection of breast cancer because it can show changes in the breast up to 2 years earlier then can be seen or felt by the patient or the doctor. Research shows that annual tests are recommended for women over 40 and can lead to early detection of breast cancer when they are still curable.

Diagnostic mammography is used for a patient with abnormal findings such as lumps that are found by the doctor. It can also be done after an abnormal mammography to check out the area of concern.

To prepare for the mammogram do not schedule it for the week before your period if the breasts are tender. The best time is a week after your period and let the x-ray technologist if you think you might be pregnant. Do not wear deodorant or powders or lotion under your arms or on or near the breasts on exam day. They could appear on the x-ray as spots. Tell the technologist of any symptoms or problems. Give any previous mammograms to the technologist during this current exam. Find out when the results will be ready so as not to assume the results are normal if you don’t hear from the doctor or the place you had the test done.

The unit looks like a rectangle box that holds a tube through which x-rays are produced. It is used only for breast exams due to the special accessories it has that allow the breast to have exposure to x-rays. There is a device that holds and compresses the breasts and places it so the images can be obtained from any angle.

The x-rays pass through the body producing a small burst of radiation and the image is recorded on film or a special digital recording plate. The body absorbs the x-rays in different degrees. This is why bones appear white and soft tissue appears grey and the air is black. Today most images are stored electronically. These are accessible easily and can be easily compared to current x-rays.

During the exam you will have your breast squeezed by a compression paddle. If your breasts are sensitive you may want to schedule the procedure when your breasts are less tender. The radiologist will send the results to your doctor who will look at them and send a report to your doctor who will tell you who can discuss the results.

Having a mammogram is the best way to detect tumors when they are small and a cure is more likely. It is useful for detecting all types of cancer. No radiation stays in the patients body after the exam and there are no side effects.

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