Digital mammography uses essentially the same mammography system as conventional mammography, but the system is equipped with a digital receptor and a computer instead of a film cassette.

One of the most recent advances in x-ray mammography is digital mammography. Digital (computerized) mammography is similar to standard mammography in that x-rays are used to produce detailed images of the breast.

Several studies have demonstrated that digital mammography is at least as accurate as standard 2D mammography.


 

Digital Mammography

Physicians recommend a mammogram because it is the most effective test for detecting breast diseases. A mammogram can reveal early stages of breast cancer up to two years before it can be felt during a physical exam of the breast.

Current guidelines from the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the American Cancer Society (ACS), the American Medical Association (AMA), and the American College of Radiology (ACR) recommend screening mammography every year for women, starting at age 40.

Digital spot view mammography allows faster and more accurate stereotactic biopsy. This results in shorter examination times and significantly improved patient comfort and convenience since the time the patient must remain still is much shorter. With digital spot-view mammography, images are acquired digitally and displayed immediately on the system monitor.

Spot-view digital systems have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in guiding breast biopsy. Traditional stereotactic biopsy requires a mammogram film be exposed, developed, and then reviewed, greatly increasing the time before the breast biopsy can be completed.

In addition to spot-view digital mammography, the FDA has approved a “full-field” digital mammography system to screen for and diagnose breast cancer. With continued improvements, the “full-field” mammography systems may eventually replace traditional mammography.

No deodorant, powder, or sprays on your underarms or breasts.

Try to avoid scheduling a mammogram the week before your period if your breasts are tender during that time. The ideal time for a mammogram is one week after your period. Also avoid wearing deodorant, lotion or talcum powder under your arms or on your breasts on the day of the exam, as these may appear as calcium deposits.

During mammography, a specially-trained radiologic technician positions your breast in the mammography unit, which is rectangular in shape and has a special platform for the breast and a paddle which compresses it. You must hold very still while the picture is being taken to minimize the possibility of a blurred image. After the examination, you will be asked to wait until the radiologist determines that all the necessary images have been obtained. The entire process takes approximately 30 minutes.

At OutPatient Imaging, special care is taken during the mammogram to use the lowest possible radiation dose. As leaders in mammographic screening and breast imaging, we offer the highest-quality mammograms, as well as cutting-edge diagnostic tests, such as breast ultrasound, breast MRI, ultrasound-guided core biopsies, fine-needle aspirations, and stereotactic core biopsies.

Digital Mammography appointments may be scheduled at our:
Peachtree City office at (770) 305-4674
Newnan office at (770) 502-9883
Atlanta office at (404) 225-5674