What is mammography?

Mammography uses low-dose X-rays to produce images of the tissues inside your breasts. When you get a mammography exam, called a mammogram, you receive a small dose of radiation, but not enough to cause harm. 

When should I have mammography?

Women should have a mammogram in the following cases:

Display symptoms of breast cancer

Any time you have symptoms associated with breast cancer, you should have a mammogram. Don’t hesitate to see your provider if you notice:

• A lump in your breast
• Skin puckering or dimpling
• Changes in your nipples (newly inverted nipple)
• A discharge from your nipple
• An itchy breast

Changes in the size or shape of your breasts and peeling or crusting skin are also signs of breast cancer.

Meet the guidelines for breast cancer screening

If you have an average risk for breast cancer, the American Cancer Society recommends: 

• First mammogram between 40-44 years old
• Between the ages of 45-55, a mammogram every year
• After 55 years, a mammogram every two years

But if you have a high risk for breast cancer, you may need to start getting mammograms at a younger age, and you may need more frequent imaging.

For this reason, all women should talk with their gynecologist to determine their breast cancer risk and the best mammogram schedule to protect their health.

What are the two types of mammography?

Oakland Macomb Obstetrics & Gynecology, P.C., offers screening mammograms and diagnostic mammograms. Though both use Genius 3D Mammography, the two procedures are slightly different.

Screening mammograms

A screening mammogram is a basic procedure for women who don’t have breast cancer symptoms but who meet the recommendations for breast cancer screening.

Diagnostic mammograms

A diagnostic mammogram is for when you have breast cancer symptoms. Your provider takes more images compared to a screening mammogram.

What are the benefits of 3D mammography?

Three-dimensional mammography represents today’s most advanced tool for the early detection of breast cancer. Two-dimensional images tend to overlap multiple layers of tissue, which can produce unclear results. In some cases, a 2D image may miss a tumor or show a tumor when you don’t have one.

By comparison, Genius 3D Mammography takes multiple images and assembles them into a realistic, 3D image. The 3D image shows more details with greater accuracy. Most importantly, it can reveal breast cancer at the earliest possible stage.

If your mammogram shows signs of breast cancer, your provider may do a diagnostic breast ultrasound to get more information about the size and shape of the tumor.

The next step is an ultrasound-guided breast biopsy or a stereotactic breast biopsy to determine if the tumor is cancerous. 

If you have questions or need to schedule mammography, call Oakland Macomb Obstetrics & Gynecology, P.C., or schedule an appointment online.