About Mammography
Mammography is an examination of the breasts done utilizing x-rays. This thorough breast examination, called a mammogram, searches for abnormalities in the breast tissue. These abnormalities include lumps in the breast tissue, thickening of the breast tissue, or significant changes in the size or shape of the breast.
Doctors recommend that women age 40 and older receive an annual mammogram as an important tool to detect changes that may indicate early cancer when it is most curable. If there is a history of breast cancer in your family, your health care provider may suggest starting yearly mammograms earlier.
We also want our patients to have the most comfortable experience possible. To this end, we offer a mammography pad with each exam to help cushion the breast.
The Imaging Department at Maryland General offers two types of mammograms—screening and diagnostic mammograms.
- Screening Mammograms—Given to women who have no complaints of breast pain or breast abnormalities, and no symptoms of breast cancer, such as a hard lump in the breast or dimpling of the breast skin. The purpose of the screening mammogram is to detect breast abnormalities in their early stages.
- Diagnostic Mammograms—Given when a woman has detected an abnormality in the breast tissue or is noticing symptoms of breast cancer.
Mammography Appointments
- A referral from your physician is required. Remember to bring it with you to your appointment.
- If you have had a mammogram at another facility, please bring your old images with you, if possible.
- Remember not to wear any of the following:
- Powders
- Lotions
- Deodorants
- Creams
These products can contain aluminum, which looks similar to certain types of changes in the breast on an X-ray. They can interfere with getting accurate results on your mammogram
Accredited by: The American College of Radiology and FDA