Digital Mammography
Mammography is a branch of radiology that focuses on the breast. It is used to detect breast cancer or to determine the cause of breast problems. The basic mammogram falls under two categories: diagnostic and screening. A mammogram screening is only to help detect breast cancer in women who may or may not have symptoms. A diagnostic mammogram is performed when the physician is diagnosing a problem and, in this case, additional images are often performed. For example, a breast ultrasound may be performed in conjunction with a mammogram.
Uniontown Hospital offers digital mammography, the latest in breast care. This new technology provides faster results and superior accuracy to older film equipment. Less than 10 percent of mammography facilities across the nation currently have digital mammography.
There are a variety of X-ray exams that fall under mammography, such as needle localization and breast biopsy. Registered technologists perform the exam. A radiologist trained to read mammograms will read the procedure.
During the procedure, the breast is compressed and radiographic images are taken. This process may be uncomfortable to the patient, but is necessary.
There are several reasons why compression is important. They include but are not limited to:
- Compression helps separate tissue that is overlapping.
- Not compressing increases the risk of missing an early cancer.
- The amount of radiation exposure to the breast is decreased by compression.
