For this reason, MRI has the potential to reduce the number of certain diagnostic surgeries. Mammography Mammography is an x-ray technique used to detect breast cancer and other breast conditions. Mammography can reveal changes in the breast before they can be felt by a woman or her health care provider. Tumors that are too small to be felt by a woman or her health care provider can be detected by mammography. Precancerous changes in the breast can also be detected.
Early detection can mean a better chance of cure or less extreme surgery.
While the majority of breast lumps are not cancerous, a biopsy is needed for confirmation. Your health care provider will recommend a schedule based on your personal and family history. The American Cancer Society recommends a mammogram once between the ages of 35 and 40, and an annual mammogram at age 40 and over. Scanning Nuclear medicine scans use very small, safe amounts of a radioactive material to obtain images of specific organs. The radioisotope used depends on the organ to be examined, since each organ picks up its own specific material.