A Siemens product. It is one of the best imaging tools to detect breast lumps and to screen for breast cancer, because it allows the detection of breast tumors too small to be found during a physical examination.

What is Mammography ?

Mammography is a specific type of imaging that uses a low-dose x-ray system for examination of 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.

The National Cancer Institute ( NCI ) adds that women who have had breast cancer and those who are at increased risk due to a genetic history of breast cancer should seek expert medical advice about whether they should begin screening before age 40 and about the frequency of screening.



Preparations for the procedure:

•  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 calcium spots.

•  Describe any breast symptoms or problems to the technologist performing the exam.

•  If possible, obtain prior mammograms and make them available to the
     radiologist at the time of the current exam.

•  Before the examination, please remove all jewelry and clothing above the waist