The earlier you find breast cancer, the better your chance for successful treatment. A mammogram can help catch breast abnormalities in the earliest stages, when cancer is most treatable.
Mammograms use a very low-dose X-ray to find breast lumps (masses) before they’re large enough to feel. They can also identify other signs of cancer, such as calcium deposits. A specially trained mammography technologist performs the exam, which only takes about 10 minutes. The procedure slightly squeezes your breast for a few seconds during each X-ray, but most women only feel mild discomfort.
How often you have a mammogram depends on your age, family and personal health history, and other factors. Talk to your doctor to find out what’s right for you.
What to Expect
Screening mammogram
A screening mammogram looks for changes from your last mammogram. It’s a routine, preventive exam that your doctor uses to find cancer.
Diagnostic mammogram
Your doctor will refer you for a diagnostic mammogram if your screening mammogram shows a change from your previous mammogram, or you notice a lump or symptoms such as pain, swelling, or other changes to your breast.
3-D mammogram (tomosynthesis)
Tomosynthesis creates a 3-D image of your breast that shows multiple layers of breast tissue to give your doctor a clearer view of masses, making it easier to detect breast cancer. Check with your health insurance provider about your coverage and talk to your doctor to find out if a 3-D mammogram is right for you.
Diagnostic imaging
In addition to mammograms, doctors use other breast imaging techniques to diagnose problems and plan treatment, including breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and breast ultrasound — neither of which use radiation. Your doctor may use these approaches to examine breast tissue more closely or guide a breast biopsy.
Why Choose UHealth?
A Breast Imaging Center of Excellence. The Breast Imaging Center at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center is one of only two centers in the Miami-Dade County area accredited by the American College of Radiology.
The latest breast-imaging technology. We offer a full range of breast imaging services for both screening and diagnostic exams. We use the latest breast imaging approaches, such as 3-D mammography, breast ultrasound, and breast MRI.
Breast imaging services close to home. Several locations in South Florida make it easy to get a mammogram at an imaging center nearby.
Comprehensive breast cancer treatment and services. If you have breast cancer, we offer the most advanced care in the region. Our doctors are also researchers discovering new ways to improve diagnosis and treatment. That means you can get some of today’s most promising advancements through clinical trials. You benefit from the latest developments that are fast-tracked from the lab to the bedside.
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