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Mammography What is a Mammogram? |
Mammography uses a specially designed x-ray machine specifically for evaluating the breast. Mammography can often show changes in the breast long before symptoms arise.
The American Cancer Society recommends that women age 40 and over undergo a screening mammogram once a year. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, mammography can find 85%-90% of breast cancers in women over the age of 50, and can find them up to two years before a lump would otherwise be noticed.
Screening mammography is performed on women who have no complaints or symptoms of breast problems. Diagnostic mammography is usually performed when women find a lump during a self-exam, or experience other problems such as nipple discharge, itching, redness, or swelling.
Newport Imaging Center is accredited by the American College of Radiology and by the Food and Drug Administration. All of our technologist are specially trained and are licensed by the State of California to perform mammography procedures.
How long will a mammogram take?
Mammography is a quick procedure. The entire exam should last about 15 minutes to half an hour. If you have a previous mammogram, it is very important for us to compare these films with your current examination. Bringing your previous exam(s) to Newport Imaging Center on the day of your exam will enable us to provide speedier results and a more accurate diagnosis. In addition to sending your results to your physician, we will send you a letter informing you of your results and any follow up care that we recommend. On occasion, we may ask you to return for additional pictures once the radiologist has reviewed your examination.
How safe is a mammography exam?
The Mammography Quality Standards Act requires all non-governmental mammography facilities to be certified by the Food and Drug Administration. Certification means that a facility must meet certain standards in terms of equipment, employee credentials, and the way records are kept. There are also guidelines regarding the amount of radiation that the machine can produce during the examination.
The majority of mammography systems use low levels of radiation. The radiation dose depends on the size and physical make-up of the breast. A larger or dense breast may require a higher x-ray dose.