Mammography

A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast tissue. The breast is carefully positioned and gently compressed between 2 plates to spread out the tissue evenly. An x-ray beam passes through the tissue and creates an image that is stored on a photographic plate.

In conventional mammography the images are stored on photographic film. New digital machines can now store the images electronically.

A mammogram produces less radiation than a standard chest x-ray.

Diagnostic mammography is an important component of triple assessment - the safe method that has evolved for investigating a breast symptom.

Screening mammography entails the use of routine mammograms in well women to try to detect abnormal changes at an early stage.