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How Mammograms Work and How They Can Benefit You

Mammograms are considered the gold standard for screening and diagnosing breast abnormalities and changes and are an important part of early detection and prevention. They help millions of women each year, with 99% of women experiencing a 5-year survival rate with early detection and timely intervention.

Here is an overview of what a mammogram is, how it’s performed, and its benefits:

What Is a Mammogram?

Mammograms are a form of low-dose X-rays passed through the breast tissue to look for any changes or formations, such as lumps, masses, differences in density, and other problems. The scan uses an imaging technique known as mammography. Our specialty hospital in Houston offers extensive breast screening and diagnostic services, including routine 3D mammography and more advanced contrast-enhanced mammography.

A radiologist will perform the scan and examine the results, sharing them with your breast specialist.

How Are Mammograms Performed?

Mammography is an outpatient procedure that takes about 30 minutes to perform. Your breasts will be positioned in the mammography unit and compressed by clear paddles so that the breast tissue is evenly distributed and the radiation is evenly distributed, among other reasons.

The technician will also ask you to change positions to get multiple angles and views, and you may be required to stay still and hold your breath. The technologist and radiologist will work together to determine whether the images are sufficient and clear enough to be examined.

What Are Some of the Benefits of a Mammogram?

There are several benefits of getting your annual mammogram, which every woman above the age of 40 should schedule. Many women with a family history of breast cancer are advised to get screenings starting from age 30.

Some of the advantages of mammograms include the following:

• Lowered risk of death due to breast cancer.
• Detection of all types of breast cancer, such as invasive ductal and invasive lobular cancer, as well as small tumors.
• Detection of small abnormal tissue growths in milk ductsknown as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).
• No side-effects of X-rays and no radiation stays in your body following the exam.

Whether you’re having symptoms like pain or lumps in your breasts or not, you should get regular mammograms to screen for breast cancer.

Visit the TOPS Comprehensive Breast Center page for more information and to schedule your visit at one of our four locations. You’ll find a list of radiology specialists at the bottom of any of the Breast Center pages including the 3D breast mammography page, who can answer your questions and help you make an appointment directly with the Center.