At the Breast Center, we are trying to bring the newest innovations that will allow detection of the smallest tumors. The Breast Center at AAMC offers state of the art diagnostic procedures to offer you the most options, in a sensitive and caring atmosphere. These x-rays of the breast are especially useful in detecting breast cancers that cannot be felt. Even if one breast has an obvious lump and the other feels normal, doctors must take x-rays of both breasts to make sure no other tumors are present. With four dedicated mammographers, all our mammograms are read by mammography specialists.
Technicians use a special x-ray machine to take a mammogram.
The breast is placed on the machine's lower plate, which is made of metal and has a drawer to hold the x-ray film. The upper plate, made of clear plastic, is lowered to compress the breast for a few seconds as the technician goes to the control panel and takes the picture. Screening mammography, with its top-down and side views, is used for the early detection of breast cancer in women without any breast symptoms. Diagnostic mammography, with multiple views, helps characterize breast masses or determine the cause of other breast symptoms. Mammography is the most common imaging procedure, but others are used at other stages of breast cancer, or to see more detail.