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What is a
mammogram?
A mammogram is an x-ray or digital image of the breast.
Currently, it is
the best screening tool available to detect
breast cancer in its
early stages.
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Are there
times when a digital mammogram may be preferable to an x-ray
mammogram?
Digital mammograms
are the preferred option when women have dense breast
tissue, are under the age of 50 or have not yet gone through
menopause. Both digital and x-ray mammograms can detect
abnormalities in breast tissue.
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Can x-ray
mammograms cause cancer?
The risk of cancer is minute and far outweighs the value of
it uncovering breast cancer in an early, treatable stage.
Mammograms use the lowest dose of radiation of any x-ray.
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When
should I get a mammogram and how often?
Typically, a woman has her first mammogram at age 40, and
then once a year, each year. However, if she or her doctor
detects a change in her breast, a mammogram may be indicated
at an earlier age. Also, if a woman has a family history of
breast cancer, a screening mammogram may be scheduled as
early as age 30.
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What steps
can I take to make my mammogram a positive experience
positive?
- Choose a certified
facility. Their certificate will be displayed prominently
- Pick a good time to
schedule your mammogram preferably one week or so after
your last period. Your breast will be less tender
- Gather information, such
as family history, any problems you may be experiencing,
your primary doctors name
- Know what to expect
learn about the procedure, what kind of mammogram; x-ray
or digital; you may feel uncomfortable, but it only lasts
a few seconds.
- Come prepared. Dress in
clothes that will make it easy for you to undress, skip
neck jewelry and dont use underarm deodorant. If you
going to a different facility arrange to have past
mammograms delivered before your mammogram or arrange to
bring them with you.
- Understand that it may
be 2-3 weeks before you get your results.
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Whats the
difference between a screening mammogram and a diagnostic
mammogram?
A screening mammogram scans both breasts, looking for
abnormalities or trouble spots. A diagnostic mammogram is
used when a trouble spot has been detected during a routine
screening mammogram. The diagnostic mammogram zeroes in on
the trouble spot.
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How often
do screening mammograms lead to diagnostic mammograms?
About 10% of women have diagnostic mammograms because
something showed up on their screening mammograms. And
usually, about 10% of those women have a biopsy, with 80% of
biopsies ruling out breast cancer.
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What can
show up on a mammogram?
- Calcification
tiny calcium deposits in breast tissue that are usually
benign. Depending on how they appear in a mammogram, more
testing may need to be conducted to rule out breast
cancer. Calcifications can be a precursor to breast
cancer.
- Cyst a fluid
filled sac that can usually be felt and may cause pain
prior to menstrual periods. A true or simple cyst is
benign and can be drained by a doctor during a routine
office visit if it is causing pain. If the fluid shows any
traces of blood, it can be tested for cancerous cells.
- Lump a growth
in the breast that can be felt during breast self-exams or
by a doctor during a clinical exam. Most lumps are benign
(harmless) cysts. However, a doctor should check all
lumps.
- Mass - a growth
seen on a screening x-ray or digital mammogram. Most
masses turn out to be harmless, however your doctor may
want you to have further testing to be sure.
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What if I
cannot afford a mammogram?
If you have insurance, most plans cover it. Medicare also
pays for mammograms. Call the Amarillo Area Breast Health
Coalition (331-4710) or email
Linda Bergara
for more information about other services that may be
available to you in the Amarillo Area. |
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