Radiology

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Mammography

Mammography is an x-ray picture of the breast used for both screening a diagnosis. We’re also excited to provide tomosyntheses 3-D imaging technology, capable of detecting signs of breast cancer other mammograms might miss.

What is breast density? Breast density refers exclusively to the way the breast looks on a mammogram. It has no relationship to the way the breast looks or feels on physical exam. Your breasts are considered dense if you have more fibrous or glandular tissue and not much fat. Breast density is categorized into one of four categories, defined by the American College of Radiology:

1/A The breast is almost entirely fatty

2/B There are scattered fibroglandular densities

3/C The breast tissue is heterogeneously dense, which may obscure small masses (40% if women)

4/D The breast tissue is extremely dense. This may lower the sensitivity of mammography (10% of women)

Approximately 50 percent of women undergoing screening mammography are classified as having either “heterogeneously dense” or “extremely dense” breast.

It is not uncommon for first time mammography patients to be called back for additional studies. This is to establish their normal when prior studies don’t exist for comparison.

Should you have additional testing? The recommendations for screening mammography are exactly the same for women with dense breast as for the rest of the population. Mammography is the only screening method that has undergone randomized controlled trials and is proven to reduce breast cancer deaths. Tomosynthesis (3-D mammography) is available at Health Pointe. Studies indicate an increase of 40 to 50 percent in cancer detection with tomosynthesis, as well as a decrease in the need to return for additional imaging.

Walk-ins accepted for screening mammograms at Health Pointe (based on availability). Calling ahead of time is always encouraged to guarantee your desired time.

Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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