Screening Mammogram
in Farmington
A screening/3D mammogram is strictly for patients that have no signs, symptoms or known breast problems. It’s a routine examination which captures two images of each breast. All women are recommended to undergo a yearly screening mammogram after age 40 as an early detection measure.
The difference between 3D Mammogram and the Diagnostic Mammogram
The diagnostic mammogram is a secondary radiological tool which provides more clarity. It’s recommended for women who’ve been having symptoms other than lumps, including thickening of the skin, pain, discharge from one or both nipples or changes in the size and shape of the breast.
But these symptoms don’t always mean you have cancer. The diagnostic mammogram analyzes existing symptoms and any anomalies found by the primary diagnostic, the screening mammogram. It allows closer examination of breast tissue when breast implants are involved or for women who have larger breasts.
At X-Ray Associates of New Mexico, 7 – 10% of our patients return for the diagnostic mammogram, following the initial screening mammogram in Farmington.
But most patients see normal results from the secondary test and return to the normal protocol of annual screening. A small number of patients are asked to return for follow ups twice yearly. Finally, a very small percentage of our patients are found to have breast cancer.
XRANM is a leader, offering the most advanced diagnostic radiology in New Mexico. 3D mammography, which serves as an additional layer of certainty, is sometimes used concurrently with the screening mammogram.
Quick and comfortable, this diagnostic is the gold standard in terms of early detection, with between 20 and 65% of breast cancers being detected.
With the 3D mammogram, an x-ray arm moves over the breast, taking numerous images in the span of only a few seconds.
A computer then produces 3D images, depicting one-millimeter layers of breast tissue. This allows your radiologist to view the entire breast in small sections, making it possible to see even the tiniest anomalies.
This state-of-the-art diagnostic, when used in tandem with the screening mammogram in Farmington, serves to rule out return visits for diagnostic mammograms and “false positives”.
XRANM
XRANM offers individualized care and subspecialty radiologists in the field. You have a choice when it comes to outpatient imaging, choose X-Ray Associates at Farmington.
Contact us. to find out more.