Mammograms and Breast Imaging
Screening is your best defense.
Mammograms
Mammograms are imaging procedures that takes x-ray images of the breast. Most women begin having yearly mammograms at age 40 (or sooner if you’re high-risk).
There are two main types:
- Routine screening mammograms look for the first signs of cancer in women who don’t have symptoms. They can help find breast cancer before it may be large enough to be felt.
- If you develop breast cancer symptoms — or if there is a questionable finding on your screening mammogram — a diagnostic mammogram (and possibly a diagnostic ultrasound) helps our team further evaluate your breast concern or screening result.
Advanced 3D Mammograms for Better Accuracy
In addition to 2D mammograms of the breast, we also offer 3D images, also known as digital breast tomosynthesis. 3D mammograms are the next generation of breast imaging, and provide increased detection of breast cancer compared to 2D mammograms. 3D mammograms have also been shown to decrease the need for follow-up mammograms by decreasing callback.
Additional Breast Imaging Services
Some patients need tests that can show suspicious areas in more detail than a mammogram alone. For women with breast implants, dense breast tissue, or a strong family history of breast cancer, advanced breast imaging procedures may improve detection. These include:
- Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Breast MRI takes detailed, 3D pictures of the breast, which are often enhanced with contrast. In higher-risk women, it can provide a supplemental testing option to mammograms, particularly in women with dense breast. It can also help evaluate the extent of breast cancer and help surgeons with treatment plans. It also can assist doctors with seeing how well chemotherapy or radiation treatments are working. In addition, breast MRIs are used to evaluate silicone implant rupture. Unlike a mammogram, a breast MRI uses no x-rays.
- Breast ultrasound. Our team may use this test to further evaluate a specific area as part of a diagnostic study or use it as supplemental screening in high-risk women, particularly those who cannot have an MRI. Unlike a mammogram, a breast ultrasound uses no x-rays. It can help doctors evaluate benign (noncancerous), fluid-filled cysts vs. solid or suspicious masses.
