Mammography is a specific type of imaging that uses a low-dose X-Ray system to examine breasts. A mammography exam, called a mammogram, is used to aid in the early detection and diagnosis of breast diseases in women and men. Mammography is performed on an outpatient basis and the examination takes about 30 minutes.

During the examination, a specially qualified technologist will position your breast in the mammography unit. Your breast will be placed on a special platform and compressed with a paddle (often made of clear Plexiglas or other plastic). The technologist will gradually compress your breast.

Compression is necessary in order to: 

• Even out the breast thickness so that all of the tissue can be seen
• Spread out the tissue so that small abnormalities are less likely to be hidden by overlying breast tissue
• Allow the use of a lower x-ray dose since a thinner amount of breast tissue is being imaged
• Hold the breast still to minimize blurring of the image caused by motion
• Reduce X-Ray scatter to increase sharpness of picture

You will be asked to change positions between images. The routine views are a top-to-bottom view and an oblique side view. The process will be repeated for the other breast. You must hold very still and may be asked to keep from breathing for a few seconds while the picture is taken.

When the examination is complete, you will be asked to wait until the radiologist determines that all the necessary images have been obtained.

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