Siemens Mammography

It is one of the best imaging tools to detect breast lesion and to screen for breast cancer. It allows the detection of a small tumor which cannot be found during a physical examination.

What is Mammography ?

Mammography is a specific type of imaging that uses a low-dose radiation to exam the breasts. The images of the breasts can be viewed on film at a view box or as soft copy on a digital mammography work station. Most medical experts agree that successful treatment of breast cancer often is linked to early diagnosis. Mammography plays a central part in early detection of breast cancers because it can show changes in the breast up to two years before a patient or physician can feel them. Current guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the American Cancer Society (ACS), the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American College of Radiology (ACR) recommend screening mammography every year for women, beginning at age 40.

For those women who have breast cancer before or high risk due to family history, National Cancer Institute (NCI) advices to perform mammography even before age of 40 after seeking medical advice.

Preparations for the procedure

• Please inform the radiographer if you are pregnant or suspected pregnant.
• Do not wear deodorant, talcum powder, or lotion under your arms or on your breasts on the day of the exam. These can appear on the x-ray film as an artifact.
• Describe any breast symptoms or problems to the radiographer who perform the exam.
• Before the examination, please remove all jewelry and clothing above the waist.
• Bring the previous mammogram film for comparison.
• Inform the radiographer if you have previous breast implant.