Mammography at the Magee-Womens Breast Cancer Program

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Mammography Overview

Mammography is an imaging procedure that uses low-energy x-rays to examine the breast.

It's one of the best tools to screen for or detect breast cancer and other abnormalities.

Because mammography produces such high-quality images of the breast, it can show cancer that may be too small for you or your doctor to feel.

The imaging experts at the Magee-Womens Breast Cancer Program use computer-aided detection (CAD) to assist in interpreting mammography images. The software is specifically designed to identify abnormal masses or distortions in the breast and is a valuable aid in the early detection of breast cancer.

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Screening and Diagnostic Mammograms: The Differences

A screening mammogram is performed if you have no symptoms of breast disease.

View screening recommendations for women without symptoms or a family history of breast cancer.

A diagnostic mammogram is performed if you have:

  • signs or symptoms of breast problems, including:
    • lumps
    • pain
    • a change in skin color or texture
    • a change in size or shape of the breast
    • nipple discharge or inversion
  • a personal history of breast cancer
  • a personal history of benign breast disease diagnosed by a biopsy, or a previous suspicious breast mass or lump
  • large, augmented, or implanted breasts that are difficult to examine

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Digital Mammography

Digital mammography is the use of a phosphor plate, rather than film, to view mammography images.

The Magee-Womens Breast Cancer Program uses digital mammography to enhance the breast images when dense breast tissue may be obscuring tumors, such as in:

  • younger women
  • women who have had radiation
  • women who have had hormone replacement therapy

Digital mammography may offer a higher degree of accuracy in identifying tumors and other breast abnormalities for these women.

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3D Mammography (Tomosynthesis)

Tomosynthesis is an imaging tool that uses low-energy x-rays to create a 3D image of the breasts.

While conventional mammography takes pictures of the breast from two angles — up and down, and left and right — tomosynthesis takes multiple pictures from many angles.

The experts at Magee-Womens Breast Cancer Program may use tomosynthesis in conjunction with conventional mammography to provide the most optimal image of your breasts for a clear diagnosis.

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Scheduling Your Mammogram

Call 412-641-4700 or toll-free 1-800-649-4077 to schedule a mammogram at any of our conveniently-located Magee-Womens Imaging or Womancare Centers.

If you have specific time and day appointment requirements, please allow at least four weeks for us to accommodate your request.

Learn more:

Learn about available diagnostic procedures at the Magee-Womens Breast Cancer Program in Knowledge is Power: Diagnostics and Biopsy Services for Breast Evaluation, a seven-part video series that includes segments on:

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