Exam Details - Diagnostic Mammography
Available at:
DC, Chevy Chase, Park Potomac, Fairfax, and Sterling
Used To:
- Review possible abnormalities in breast tissue with existing symptoms
- Or follow-up on previous symptom or concern
Why:
- Mammograms play a central role in the early detection of breast cancer
- Can detect changes in the breast that may be early signs of cancer, but are too small or subtle to feel
Age:
- Symptomatic and 30 years or older - Schedule Diagnostic
- Symptomatic and under 30 years old - Schedule Breast Ultrasound
How:
- Low-dose radiographic exam of the breast
- Exam consists of views of each breast, or at times, only the one breast with symptoms
- Breast tissue is composed of fatty connective tissue, because of its overall soft tissue composition, it requires a special low-dose x-ray unit
- There are 2 basic mammographic procedures offered, screening and diagnostic. Both begin with basic views.
- Diagnostic exam is used for patients with breast problems or symptoms.
- If necessary, additional testing (i.e. breast ultrasound) is performed at that time.
- Results are provided to the patient at the time of the exam.
Machine:
EDITED: 08/22/2019
