Mammography is a simple X-ray of the breast that can detect cancers so small that even the most experienced examiner cannot feel them. The examination itself uses X-rays to view the breast, usually from two angles.
To get the most accurate picture possible in each X-ray, a special device gently squeezes the breast. Although this may sound painful, it is only slightly uncomfortable and the length of time the breast is compressed is just a few seconds. Our state-of-the-art mammography systems feature a large detector that can accommodate most women, flexible ergonomic paddles that improve patient comfort and image accuracy, short time between exposures and precise, intuitive design for fast, efficient exams with few retakes.
Preparing for your mammogram
On the day of your exam, it is best to wear a two-piece outfit. It is also best not to wear lotions, powders or deodorant when you go for your mammogram, as these can interfere with the image quality, and you will therefore be asked to remove them prior to your exam.
Current guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the American Cancer Society (ACS), the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American College of Radiology (ACR) recommend screening mammography every year for women, beginning at age 40.
At Capital Health, our full field digital mammography systems use Computer Aided Detection, which provides an additional review of each image for greater efficiency that other systems can miss. We offer the following mammography services:
- Screening mammography
- Diagnostic mammography
- Needle localizations
- Stereotactic biopsy