Early Detection — Mammography

Mammography is an x-ray technique which uses very low doses of radiation to capture well-defined pictures of breast tissue. The procedure takes only minutes, but involves some discomfort for many women as the breast must be pressed firmly between x-ray plates. Lumps, cysts and other abnormalities as small as one half centimeter in diameter can be detected. Their density relative to breast tissue and fat, and their boundary characteristics (smooth or ragged) can also be determined.

Compression Spot View
Specialized x-rays provide more specific views of abnormal areas. Supplemental images of the unusual tissue are made with the breast compressed differently and the equipment aimed differently. This is called a compression spot view, or magnification view. Breasts with minute abnormalities can be x-rayed using a magnification view to allow a closer look.