Amber Diagnostics the leading remanufacturer of used Mammography systems. Below is information on how Mammography Systems are used in a medical setting and what you as a patient can expect while undergoing this type of diagnostic imaging testing.
In addition, We have a wide variety of used Mammography systems available for purchase. Click here to view our data base of available used Mammography systems.
What is a Mammogram?
Mammography is the practice of radiographic imaging of the soft tissue of the breast. Multiple images are obtained by gentle positioning of the breast by the technologist to produce high contrast images.
A mammogram is a low dose x-ray of the breast. It is performed to detect abnormal growths or changes in the breast, or to provide a baseline reference for later comparison. It is an important way to help protect you against breast cancer as it can find cancers too small to be felt by hand.
How does it work?
During the procedure, the breast is positioned on a radiographic breast support and compression is applied with a plastic paddle while x-rays are being taken.
There may be discomfort during the three to five second period of compression; however, compression is necessary to obtain the clearest possible picture with the least amount of radiation. Usually two views per breast are required for a complete screening.
Should I get a Mammogram?
The recommendation is that women get a mammogram once a year, beginning at age 40. If you're at high risk for breast cancer, with a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, or have had radiation treatment to the chest in the past, it's recommended that you start having annual mammogram's at a younger age.
What's the difference between screening & diagnostic?
Screening mammography is an x-ray examination of the breasts in a woman who is asymptomatic (has no complaints or symptoms of breast cancer). The goal of screening mammography is to detect cancer when it is still too small to be felt by a woman or her physician.
Early detection of small breast cancers by screening mammography greatly improves a woman's chances for successful treatment. Screening mammography is recommended every one year for women once they reach 40 years of age. In some instances, physicians may recommend beginning screening mammography before age 40 (i.e. if the woman has a strong family history of breast cancer).
Diagnostic mammography is an x-ray examination of the breast in a woman who either has a breast complaint (for example, a breast lump or nipple discharge is found during self-exam) or has had an abnormality found during screening mammography.
Diagnostic mammography is more involved and time-consuming than screening mammography and is used to determine exact size and location of breast abnormalities and to image the surrounding tissue and lymph nodes. Typically, several additional views of the breast are imaged and interpreted during diagnostic mammography. Women with breast implants or a personal history of breast cancer will usually require the additional views used in diagnostic mammography.
How do I prepare?
Prior images are extremely important for comparison and establishing stability of the breast tissue. Try to schedule your mammogram the week after your menstrual cycle. Eliminate caffeine and chocolate from your diet 2 weeks prior to your appointment. Also be sure not to wear powder, deodorant and perfume.
What should I expect?
You may be asked to change into a hospital gown from the waist up. You may also be asked to wash deodorant off to eliminate artifacts from the images.
How do I get my results?
After your study is complete, a board certified radiologist will evaluate the image results and send a full report to your doctor, who will discuss the results with you.
Mammogram's are meant to detect cancer in early stages when it’s most curable, but they don’t prevent cancer. When you schedule a mammogram, you should know whether your doctor has ordered a screening or diagnostic test. A screening mammogram is routine, and a radiologist reads the x-ray after you leave. Your physician might request a diagnostic mammogram if you’ve found a lump, have a personal history of breast cancer, or if you’re having suspicious symptoms.
While mammogram's are our best tool for detecting breast cancer, you shouldn't rely on them solely. Mammogram's do not detect all cancers, so you should perform monthly breast self-exams (BSE) and have your physician examine your breasts once a year. Do your BSE at the same time each month.
Amber Diagnostics is the leading distributor and remanufacturer of used medical imaging equipment and X-ray Diagnostic equipment
including Helical Multi Slice CT Scanners, Fluoroscopic C-Arms, Cath / Angio Suites, Mammography, MRI's, Radiographic Fluoro, Bone Densitometers, Ultrasounds, Laser & Nuclear Cameras, PET Scanners, PACS, and all accessory items
used within the radiology industry. Amber Diagnostics works directly with
clinics, hospitals, private physicians and imaging centers world wide.
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Amber Diagnostics. 2180 Premier Row, Orlando, FL 32809 USA
