Mammography
Mammography is an imaging technique, utilizing low dose X-ray, to examine the human breast. It is use to evaluate different types of tumors and cysts. Mammography has been proven to reduce mortality from breast cancer. No other imaging technique has been shown to reduce risk, but self-breast examination (SBE) and physician examination are essentials parts of regular breast care. A screening mammogram consists of two views of each breast, one from the top down and one from the side. If there is a known lump felt, then a diagnostic mammogram is done, which requires a minimum of 3 views. One from the top down, one from the side and one from an angle view. Anyone who has had a mastectomy or lumpectomy for cancer will automatically have a diagnostic mammogram on their future annual mammograms. Although mammography has a false negative rate of at least 10 % (missed cancers) it is still the procedure of choice for screening for early breast cancer. It is still the gold standard which other imaging test are compared to.
