Mammography
Comprehensive breast imaging services
A Powerful Tool to Detect Early-Stage Breast Cancer
You may not look forward to getting a mammogram, but mammography is one of the most valuable tools used to detect breast cancer early. That’s when you have the most treatment options and the best chance for beating the disease.
The mammography specialists at Lahey Clinic's Breast Health Centers help take some of the stress out of mammogram testing. You can rely on us for high-quality breast cancer screening that’s safe and accurate.
To schedule a screening mammogram, please call 781-744-8000 or request through MyBILH Chart.
What Is Mammography?
Mammography is the branch of radiology that creates images of the inside of your breasts. Mammograms are the actual images created.
During a mammogram, technicians place your breast between two plates that flatten the tissue. This may be briefly uncomfortable, but it helps us get the best pictures. Low-dose X-rays go through the breast to create images.
Screening mammograms look for cancer before you have symptoms. Diagnostic mammography is a bit more involved. We use it if you have symptoms or if a screening mammogram finds something suspicious. At Lahey, we offer digital mammography with computer-assisted detection (CAD). This provides increased accuracy when making a diagnosis.
When Do You Get Your First Mammogram?
Most women should consider getting regular mammograms beginning at age 40. This can help find breast cancer early, when it’s most treatable. Learn more about American Cancer Society screening recommendations.
If you have symptoms of breast cancer, we begin with a clinical breast exam. We talk about your personal and family medical history. Then, we complete your mammogram.
More About Mammography
2D Mammography
Traditional 2D mammography produces a scan of your breast tissue in one flat image. Sometimes breast tissue can overlap, giving the illusion of normal breast tissue looking like an abnormal area. This could result in the need for additional testing.
3D Mammography (Tomosynthesis)
Also known as breast tomosynthesis, 3D mammography is a screening tool. We sometimes use it along with traditional 2D mammography to get additional images during your regular breast screening.
The 3D technology allows doctors to view your breast tissue one layer at a time. This makes it easier to find cancers that might otherwise remain hidden. It can be especially important if you have dense breast tissue. Because doctors get clearer images than they would with traditional 2D mammogram testing alone, you may avoid the need for follow-up testing.
During the 3D portion of your exam, an X-ray arm sweeps in a slight arc over your breast, taking multiple images. We use very low X-ray energy. Your radiation exposure will remain safely below American College of Radiology guidelines. In total, the exam takes about 15 minutes.
Contrast-Enhanced Mammography
Contrast-enhanced mammography is performed like standard mammography. However, before the test, we inject a special dye. This makes it easier to see abnormal areas. These types of mammograms can be valuable diagnostic tools.
Computer-Assisted Detection (CAD)
CAD is a computer-based process. It helps our doctors analyze suspicious areas on mammography images. Our experienced physicians are experts in recognizing areas of concern on a mammogram. But CAD serves as a “second pair of eyes” for our radiologists, helping to ensure accuracy.
If you’ve had a mammogram somewhere other than Lahey in the past, it’s important to share it with us. We can request prior mammograms for you.
Simply fill out the form for your chosen location below and mail or fax it back to us at the contact information provided on the form. You can also bring it to the office in person.
Outside Facility Mammography Film Request
Following your exam, you can expect to receive accurate, timely results. Mammograms can reveal if you have an area of concern, or conditions such as dense breast tissue or breast calcifications.
- Dense breast tissue. Nearly half of all women have dense breast tissue. This increases the risk of developing breast cancer. If your mammogram reveals you have dense breasts, we’ll notify you. It’s important that you know your risk and understand what it may mean for future screenings.
- Breast calcifications. Calcifications are tiny mineral deposits that may appear on a mammogram.
- Macrocalcificaions. We commonly see macrocalcifications in mammograms of women older than 50. They’re likely due to aging arteries, previous injuries or inflammation and are noncancerous.
- Microcalcifications. These are smaller than macrocalcifications. The shape and distribution of these deposits offer clues as to whether cancer is present. Some microcalcifications require a biopsy. Others may require a follow-up mammogram in six to 12 months.
If doctors spot an area of concern on your mammogram, we may recommend other tests, such as:
- Breast ultrasound
- Breast MRI
- Breast gamma imaging technology
- Biopsy
These tests can help us determine if a suspicious area is truly concerning. Our radiologists are highly skilled and meticulous. If cancer is present, they can often help detect it long before you can feel it as a lump. When cancer is found early, it can be just a speed bump in your life, rather than a roadblock.
If you receive a cancer diagnosis, we may recommend PET/CT imaging. This test may help us determine if cancer has spread beyond your breast. It can also help us evaluate how you respond to treatment and if cancer has returned after treatment.
Throughout your cancer journey, our expert team will be at your side. The Lahey Cancer Institute and Breast Health Center work together to ensure you receive excellent breast cancer care.
