Mammography
at Advantia Health
Mammography
At Advantia Health, we are committed to providing exceptional care and support to women of all ages. We design our mammography services to offer comprehensive information and support about mammograms and breast health.
Here is information about mammograms, including the types, who should get them, and why they are important for health screenings. Our approach combines a professional and supportive manner to ensure you receive the best care possible.
What is Mammography?
Mammography is an essential tool in the early detection and diagnosis of breast diseases, particularly breast cancer. This process includes taking an x-ray of the breast to help healthcare providers find possible signs of breast cancer. Two primary types of mammograms exist: screening mammograms and diagnostic mammograms.
We assist you through every stage of the mammography process with individualized care and support. We offer dedicated and professional services to ensure your experience is comfortable and efficient. Our team is here to help you feel at ease and informed throughout the entire process.
Different Types of Mammograms
Screening Mammograms
Screening mammograms are recommended for women who exhibit no signs or symptoms of breast cancer. Regular screenings help find breast cancer early, especially for women aged 40-74. Mammograms are useful for finding early cancer, but they can occasionally show false positives, which may require extra tests. Remember to consider the risks of early detection against the benefits of potentially saving a life.
Diagnostic Mammograms
Doctors use diagnostic mammograms to look for signs of breast cancer. These signs may include a lump, breast pain, nipple discharge, or changes in breast size or shape. A healthcare provider performs the mammogram when someone shows these signs. These mammograms, in conjunction with other tests, help healthcare providers determine if cancer is present.
Who Should Get a Screening Mammogram?
Women aged 40-74 should get regular mammograms to find breast cancer early. Every person is different, so it’s important to talk to your doctor about when and how often you should get these screenings. For transgender individuals, it’s important to discuss with your healthcare provider to assess the necessity for screening mammograms and evaluate individual risk factors.
Benefits of a Mammogram
Mammograms offer an array of benefits, making them an indispensable tool in women’s healthcare:
Early Detection
One of the most significant advantages of mammograms is their ability to detect breast cancer at an early stage. Early detection increases the chances of successful treatment and cure, often before the cancer has spread. By identifying abnormalities such as tumors or microcalcifications, healthcare providers can intervene promptly, leading to better outcomes and reduced mortality rates.
Improved Survival Rates
Studies have consistently shown that regular mammograms lead to improved survival rates among women diagnosed with breast cancer. Early detection of breast cancer by doctors makes it easier to treat and greatly improves survival chances. Mammograms are instrumental in identifying cancer in its initial stages, affording individuals with more treatment options and a greater likelihood of overcoming the disease.
Peace of Mind
While mammograms are primarily aimed at detecting breast cancer, they also provide peace of mind for individuals. Knowing that you have screened for early health issues can reduce your anxiety and worries about your health status. Regular mammograms help women feel confident and encourage them to take charge of their health and well-being.
Tailored Treatment Plans
Mammograms can facilitate early detection of breast cancer, enabling physicians to devise personalized treatment approaches for patients more conveniently. When doctors quickly identify the disease, this can lead to more effective and accurate treatments.
Role in Preventive Care
Mammograms contribute significantly to preventive care. Regular screenings assist in identifying changes in breast tissue, even before symptoms manifest. This proactive approach helps healthcare providers deal with problems before they become serious, focusing on prevention and early treatment.
How Is a Mammogram Done?
A highly skilled technician will guide you through the process. For a traditional, 2D mammogram, a technician will ask you to stand in front of the mammography machine and will position your breast on an X-ray plate. A second plate will press down to flatten the breast, making the tissue thin for clear images during the procedure.
The compression is brief and essential for obtaining accurate results. This process might be a bit uncomfortable for some, but it is important to make sure the images clearly show the breast tissue.
3D mammography,also called tomosynthesis, takes 15 x-ray images of the breast from all angles and reconstructs them into a three-dimensional image of your breast. 3D mammography is done in conjunction with a standard 2D mammogram with the same system. It only takes a few seconds longer for each view, and no additional compression is required.
After the Mammogram
Once the mammogram is complete, a board-certified radiologist will carefully analyze the images. These experts receive training to spot unusual signs in breast tissue, including possible breast cancer or other related problems.
If the mammogram results are not normal, you may need more tests. You might also need to see specialists. These steps will help confirm the diagnosis and determine the best next steps.
What Happens if My Mammogram is Not Normal?
It’s crucial to recognize that an abnormal mammogram does not automatically imply the presence of breast cancer. In the event of abnormal findings, further diagnostic tests, consultations with specialists, and a more comprehensive evaluation may be necessary to arrive at a conclusive diagnosis.
This could involve additional imaging tests, such as a diagnostic mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI, which allow for a more in-depth examination of the area of concern. Talking to breast health experts can give you useful information and advice to help you understand your results. They can also assist in creating a personalized plan that fits your needs.
The Importance of Further Evaluation
It’s crucial to highlight that requiring further tests after an unusual mammogram doesn’t necessarily mean an imminent surgical intervention. This evaluation stage is vital in making a precise diagnosis. It also aids in determining the appropriate treatment or surveillance measures required.
Empowering Informed Decisions
A screening mammogram is important for finding breast diseases, like cancer early. However, it’s essential to know what abnormal results mean.
Talk with your healthcare provider about these findings to understand the next steps for your specific health needs. Working together with your doctors will help you understand any tests or treatments you need. This way, you can feel confident and clear about your care, keeping your health as the main focus.
Locations Offering 3D Mammography
