According to the Center for Diagnostic Imaging, Mammograms Are Essential to Detecting Breast Abnormalities

A mammogram is an X-ray technique which is used to detect any abnormalities within the breast tissue. Women who are at high risk of breast cancer or have a family history of breast cancer are advised to get a mammogram, suggests the Center for Diagnostic Imaging. The mammogram is not only recommended for women, but the Diagnostic medical imaging center of Miami also advises mammograms to men when they get a lump in their chest area.

How is A Mammogram Performed?

During the procedure, the breasts are compressed against the mammogram machine, which takes clear pictures of the breasts. If the patient is in their late twenties, their breasts are denser; so the radiologist might take multiple pictures to get a clearer view.

Things To Tell The Physician Before Getting A Mammogram

  • Patients should inform the physician if they have suffered from any abnormalities of breasts (like lumps, etc.)
  • They should also let them know if they had any breast surgeries in the past
  • Or if they are pregnant or breastfeeding

What To Expect During A Mammogram?

  • Before the test, the patient will need to undress from the waist above.
  • The patient will wear a hospital gown; they can keep their pants on.
  • Then they will need to stand in front of the mammogram machine with their breasts firmly pressed against the machine.
  • They might feel a little discomfort due to the compression. If it is painful, they can tell their technologist.
  • It usually takes about 20 minutes; the breasts are compressed just for a few seconds
  • Typically, two views of each of the breasts are taken; if someone has implants, then more pictures are taken to get better results.

Most people get their results by the next day. Mammograms are key to knowing whether a lump is cancerous or not. If a physician suspects a cancerous lump, they will ask the patient to get a biopsy. 95 percent of the biopsies come out as negative. So, if a lump is suspected to be cancerous, there is a high chance that it is not cancer. Women and men should not be afraid to get their breast lumps checked, as early detection is key to prevention.

The Center for Diagnostic Imaging recommends yearly mammograms beginning at the age of 40. Mammograms help detect various abnormalities of the breast at an early age.

About CDI: The center is owned and operated by a team of board-certified physicians and staff determined to be South Florida's premier imaging series. CDI is dedicated to serving the healthcare needs of the community through the use of the most highly advanced technology and techniques currently available within the imaging industry. As a premier imaging center in Miami, CDI offers CT scans in Miamimammograms in Miami and MRIs in Miami Beach.

Source: The Center for Diagnostic Imaging