Screening And Diagnostic Mammography Services

American women have a 13% chance of developing breast cancer, and every year, around 43,600 women die from the disease. The best way to identify breast cancer in its earliest stages is through mammograms.

At Maiden Lane Medical, in Midtown Manhattan, New York, the team of expert gynecologists, radiologists, and mammogram technicians protect your health with breast exams, including screening and diagnostic mammograms. The team is proud to offer convenient, in-office mammography services. Our state-of-the-art equipment provides digital, 3D tomosynthesis (3D mammogram), and advanced ultrasound services in an American College of Radiologists accredited suite.

Call the practice today or schedule an appointment online if you’re due for a mammogram or have any concerns about breast cancer.

What Are Screening And Diagnostic Mammograms?

Mammograms are tests to detect and diagnose breast cancer. They use a low-dose X-ray to create images of breast tissue and identify abnormalities. There are two types of mammograms, screening and diagnostic.

Maiden Lane Medical offers breast tomosynthesis, which is also known as 3D mammography. It’s an advanced type of imaging that combines multiple breast images from various angles to create a 3D model of the breast. Breast tomosynthesis uses a safe, FDA-approved level of radiation.

Screening Mammograms

Screening mammograms are routine breast cancer scans for women with no signs of breast cancer. These tests usually take between 10-15 minutes and include two images of each breast.

The radiologist reviews your results after the examination and shares their analysis with your gynecologist. Thus your first screening mammogram provides a baseline that future mammograms are compared to, while your radiologist examines them for abnormal or changing tissue.

Diagnostic Mammograms

Diagnostic mammograms are more detailed exams, which can take significantly longer than routine screenings. Your mammogram tech takes multiple images, and the radiologist examines them at the same time. They can request additional images depending on what they find during the diagnostic mammogram.

How Often do I Need To Have A Screening Mammogram?

Depending on your family history and risk level, your physician may recommend that you begin screening mammograms at the age of 40. The American Cancer Society recommends that women aged 45-54 have annual screening mammograms. Women aged 55 and older can choose to have yearly mammograms or reduce the frequency every two years.

Talk to your doctor about your risk and get personalized advice on when to begin to have mammograms and how frequently to schedule them.

Why Would I Need A Diagnostic Mammogram?

Your doctor suggests a diagnostic mammogram if they find an abnormality during a routine breast cancer screening. A diagnostic mammogram allows your radiologist and doctor to examine specific parts of your breast in detail.

If the diagnostic mammogram confirms your physician’s concerns, they may order additional testing such as biopsies.

Is It Common To Need A Diagnostic Mammogram?

Diagnostic mammograms are relatively common. However, less than 10% of women called back for a more thorough breast exam and diagnostic screening has breast cancer.

Abnormal mammogram results have a variety of causes. For example, many women have dense breast tissue. However, it appears solid on screening mammograms. A diagnostic mammogram can often confirm that the tissue is healthy, although a biopsy may be necessary in some cases.

What Happens During The Different Types Of Breast Imaging?

As mentioned, a screening mammogram only takes 10-15 minutes. After you undress the top half of your body and put on a gown that opens in the front, the technician positions you in front of the equipment and places your breast onto a glass plate, they gently lower another plate to compress your breast.

Next, the 3D mammography machine moves in an arc around your breast, taking multiple images, which are compiled into a 3D model image of your breast. Then, your technician repeats the process on your other breast.

A diagnostic mammogram is a similar process, but it takes a little longer as the technician takes more images. Additionally, your radiologist examines the images as they’re created and may request more images from other angles.

What Happens If I Have Breast Cancer?

When your physician diagnoses breast cancer early, you have a good chance of remission and survival. You and your doctor discuss your treatment options. Depending on your specific needs, your doctor may suggest chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery to destroy or remove the tumor.

You will have follow-up appointments and frequent breast imaging to allow your doctors to track your recovery and adjust your treatment to beat the disease.

Call Maiden Lane Medical today or make an appointment online if you are due for a screening mammogram or have any concerns about breast cancer.

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