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Mammography remains the mainstay of breast imaging and is still the gold standard when screening for breast cancer. At Lahey, we use digital mammography with computer-assisted detection (CAD), today’s most progressive technology. Digital mammography allows the radiologist to manipulate and magnify images with greater ease, and in ways not possible with the older screen film technology. CAD further enhances early stage cancer detection by calling attention to areas on the mammogram that are suspicious. Not everything the computer marks is cancer, but when used in combination with the radiologist's experienced eye, it can be a helpful tool in mammogram evaluation.
Screening mammography is recommended annually for all women beginning at age 40. However, some patients are referred at a younger age. For example, Lahey’s Breast Center may refer women with ongoing benign breast conditions or a strong family history of breast cancer for a screening mammogram.
Diagnostic mammography is performed when a woman has a suspicious lump or other breast symptoms that require further diagnosis. The diagnostic mammogram is often used in conjunction with other breast imaging studies to determine if there is an underlying cancer.
Further Information
For further information on breast imaging technologies and procedures, talk to your doctor, refer to our Helpful Links page, or visit the Health Encyclopedia.
