Mammogram
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Greensboro OBGYN Associates
OBGYNs located in Greensboro, NC
A mammogram significantly reduces your risk for breast cancer, the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. If you’re in your 40s, it’s time to contact Greensboro OB-GYN Associates in Greensboro, North Carolina, about a mammogram. The practice offers traditional 2D mammograms and new 3D mammograms in a comfortable, patient-centric setting. Schedule your screening by calling the practice or booking online.
Mammogram Q & A
What is a mammogram?
A mammogram is a screening tool that uses low-dose X-rays to look for changes in your breast tissue. A mammogram allows your doctor to catch breast cancer early and identify other possible issues that affect your health. Greensboro OB-GYN Associates offers the latest standard of care with 2D and 3D mammograms.
What is a 3D mammogram?
A traditional mammogram uses low-dose X-rays to produce a two-dimensional picture of your breast. Now, a newer type of imaging, 3D mammography, creates a three-dimensional picture, with the benefit of allowing your doctor to see breast tissues more clearly.
Research suggests 3D mammography may be able to find more cancers. It also may lessen the need for follow-up tests.
What happens during a mammogram?
Your experience may vary a bit, depending on whether you need a screening mammogram or diagnostic mammogram. A screening mammogram typically takes at least two different views of each breast. A diagnostic mammogram can be more extensive because it’s often performed if your doctor saw a change in your breast during a screening mammogram.
Before your mammogram, you’ll be asked to refrain from applying deodorant or lotions, which can interfere with the scan.
When you arrive for your mammogram, you can expect to follow these steps:
- You’ll undress above the waist and put on a loose gown
- You’ll go with a technologist to a private room for your mammogram
- The technologist positions each breast to take several views of your breasts
- Plastic plates compress your breasts for a few seconds
The entire process takes 20 minutes or less.
What does a mammogram show?
A mammogram can reveal breast cancer. It also shows structures and masses in your breast. These include:
- Calcifications: Minuscule flecks of calcium that might sometimes signal an early stage of breast cancer
- Cysts: Very common, fluid-filled masses that rarely suggest the presence of cancer
- Fibroadenomas: Round, solid, growing mass that your doctor may suggest removing
If you’ve had a mammogram before, your doctor compares the previous images to the current picture to detect changes. After your mammogram, your Greensboro OB-GYN Associates physician will notify you if your mammogram needs follow-up testing.
Take charge of your health today by calling or booking a consultation online with Greensboro OB-GYN Associates.
