Mammogram
Advanced diagnostic and screening mammography
Appointments
Mammograms at Mount Auburn Hospital
A mammogram is one of the imaging tests that is used to examine your breast tissue. The exam uses low-dose X-rays to create an image of the breast tissue.
Starting at the age of 40, yearly mammograms should be an essential part of your wellness routine as they help to detect a breast issue early, even before a lump can be felt. A key part of improving your breast health is early detection.
Our recommendations that a person at average risk for breast cancer start their annual screening mammograms at the age of 40. Mount Auburn Hospital encourages you to discuss the benefits, and risks of mammograms with your primary care doctor.
Offering the Latest in Mammogram Technology
We offer the latest in breast imaging, including 2D and 3D mammography, minimally invasive 2D and 3D breast biopsies, treatments for benign and malignant breast disease.
Screening mammograms are a routine imaging exam for those who are at average risk of developing breast problems and have no signs or symptoms of any issues. Screening mammograms can be done using 2D or 3D X-ray technology.
Screening mammograms are used to help detect a variety of breast conditions, including:
- Breast cancer: Mammograms are able to detect breast cancer in an early stage, before any symptoms are felt, which improves the chances of successful treatment.
- Calcifications: Tiny calcium deposits in the breast tissue, known as calcifications, can be detected on mammograms. These are usually benign, but in some cases, they may be the start of early breast cancer.
- Cysts: Fluid-filled sacs in the breast tissue, known as cysts, can be seen on mammograms. Most cysts are benign, but sometimes, they may need to be drained or biopsied.
If you are currently experiencing any breast problems or there’s an abnormality on your screening mammogram, your doctor will recommend a diagnostic mammogram.
During a diagnostic mammogram, additional images are taken, often taken from different angles and with different paddles. The radiologist may also recommend other imaging techniques, such as ultrasound, to get a better look at the breast tissue.
Diagnostic mammography is used to determine the cause of a breast lump, nipple discharge, breast pain or other symptoms. It is also used to follow up on any abnormalities that are seen on a screening mammogram, such as a cyst or calcifications.
Convenient Locations, Expert Team
The Hoffman Breast Center has been consistently recognized as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology (ACR). This recognition lets patients know that the Hoffman Breast Center meets all the highest standards of the radiology profession, by achieving accreditation in mammography, breast ultrasound, and MRI. These accreditations are also achieved in the areas of stereotactic breast biopsy, ultrasound-guided breast biopsy, and MRI biopsy.
The Mount Auburn Hospital Mammography department is inspected and licensed by the State of Massachusetts and certified by the FDA yearly and accredited by the American College of Radiology every three years. All the radiologists in the Hoffman Breast Center are board certified by The American Board of Radiology. All the mammography technologists are credentialed by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and licensed by the state of Massachusetts in radiology and mammography.
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Take the first step on your journey toward better health.
Conditions We Treat
Access diagnostic, preventive and screening services for all types of breast conditions, including:
- Benign (noncancerous) breast tumors
- Breast abnormalities
- Breast calcifications
- Breast cancer
- Breast discharge
- Breast infections (including mastitis)
- Cysts
- Duct ectasia
- Fat necrosis
- Fibroadenomas
- Fibrocystic changes
Featured Locations
22 Mill Street Suite 106
Arlington, MA 02476
781-641-1940
725 Concord Avenue Suite 3400
Cambridge, MA 02137
617-499-6789
