What is Mammography?
X-Ray (X-Ra)
1. The ionizing electromagnetic radiation emitted from a highly
evacuated tube, resulting from the excitation of the inner orbital
electrons by the bombardment of the target anode with a stream of electrons
from a heated cathode.
2. Ionizing electromagnetic radiation produced by the excitation of
the inner orbital electrons of an atom by other processes, such as nuclear
delay and its sequelae.
3. A radiograph.
Mammography is a specific type of imaging that uses a low-dose x-ray system
to examine breasts. A mammography exam, called a mammogram, is used to aid
in the diagnosis of breast diseases in women.
Baton Rouge Radiology Group utilizes two recent enhancements to traditional
mammography, including digital mammography and MRI computer-aided detection.
Common uses of Mammography:
Mammograms are used as a screening tool to detect early breast cancer in
women experiencing no symptoms and to detect and diagnose breast disease
in women experiencing symptoms such as a lump, pain or
nipple discharge.
Screening Mammogram
Mammography plays a central part in early detection of breast cancers
because it can show changes in the breast up to two years before a patient
or physician can feel them. Beginning at age 40, women are recommended to
have a screening mammography every year. Women who have had breast
cancer and those who are at increased risk due to a genetic history of breast
cancer should seek expert medical advice about whether they should begin
screening before age 40 and about the frequency of screening.
Diagnostic Mammogram
Diagnostic mammography is used to evaluate a patient with abnormal
clinical findings—such as a breast lump or lumps—that have been found by
the woman or her doctor. Diagnostic mammography may also be done after an
abnormal screening mammography in order to determine the cause of the area
of concern on the screening exam.
|
