Flushing Imaging Center


Flushing Imaging Center

 

 

 

 

What is a Mammogram?

What Are the Uses?

Procedure

Preparation

After the Exam

What is a Mammogram?

A mammogram is an x-ray of the breasts to find tumors or signs of breast cancer.

The radiologists examines the symmetry of the breasts and compares any changes after an interval of time. That is why it is important to take annual exams.

However, mammogram technology has not reached the point where one exam is guaranteed to show clear results. Often, cysts and masses in the images are unclear and hard to determine due to the composition of breats. If a patient is highly suspected of cancer, she will be recommended to do a biopsy, which is the only sure way to determine if tumors or cysts are cancerous.

What are the uses?

  • to diagnose breast cancer -cysts, masses, or other abnormalities that can be seen in images

Procedure

The patient will be asked a series of questions concerning her family and personal history.

The patient will stand behind a machine and a female technician will guide her through the exam. Some patients report that the exam is uncomfortable, but that is typical of any mammography procedure.

Sometimes breast ultrasounds are taken along with mammograms.

Preparation
 
Any previous mammograms or breast ultrasounds taken are necessary for comparison purposes, so bring the reports and films if you have a copy or call the doctor to fax them over.

After the Exam

Please stay after completing the exam to receive results from the radiologist.

All normal activities may resume. Please see your doctor 3-5 days after for detailed results.

 

If a patient feels discomfort, pain, tenderness, or feels lumps in either breast, it is highly recommended to visit a doctor.

Annual mammograms are recommended for women over the age of 40 especially if there is a family history of cancer.

Breast cancer is easily treated if detected early. The later the detection, the slimmer the chances of recovery.

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