Women’s Health Specialists in conjunction with Digital Mammography Specialists are proud to offer on-site services. Contact DMS directly to schedule your appointment at 678.904.7209
Mammography is a procedure in which x-rays of the breasts are performed in order to detect breast cysts or tumors.
Routine mammograms are recommended for all women beginning at age 40 and every year afterwards.
Women at high risk for breast cancer (family history) should have a mammogram every 1 to 2 years beginning at age 35 years.
Mammograms are performed to screen for breast cancer but also to evaluate breast symptoms such as lumps, persistent pain, and nipple discharge. Mammograms help to differentiate between noncancerous breast disease and breast cancer.
When you go for your Mammogram you will be asked to remove all clothing above the waist and a gown is provided that opens in the front. You will stand in front of the x-ray equipment and place each breast between 2 plastic plates to be compressed in 2 or more positions for the x-rays. The images are recorded on film using an x-ray cassette and the film is read by a radiologist.
With digital mammography, the breast image is captured using a special electronic x-ray detector, which converts the image into a digital picture for review on a computer monitor. The magnification, orientation, brightness, and contrast of the image may be altered after the exam is completed to help the radiologist more clearly see certain areas. For the patient, the procedure is the same as with ordinary mammography.
If your mammogram is abnormal, a biopsy (a tissue sample of the breast) may be recommended. You will be referred to a breast surgeon who will perform the surgery and the tissue will be evaluated to determine if it is cancerous or not. An abnormal Mammogram DOES NOT mean that you have cancer. Cancer can only be diagnosed once tissue from your breast is evaluated.