At McLaren and Karmanos, we offer the latest in digital mammography for earlier breast cancer detection. Our screening and diagnostic technology vary by location, so click on the locations below to learn more.
A mammogram is an X-ray exam of the breast. It is used to detect and evaluate breast abnormalities, both in women who have no breast complaints or symptoms and in women who have breast symptoms including a lump, pain or nipple discharge. An analog mammogram uses X-ray films to capture the image. A digital mammogram is a newer method that uses X-ray detectors and a computer to create the image.
Computer Aided Detection (CAD) is used and can be applied to mammography exams to help radiologists identify and mark regions of interest that are potentially indicative of cancer.
We take special care during X-ray examinations to use the lowest radiation dose possible while producing the best images for evaluation. National and international radiology protection councils continually review and update the standards used by radiology professionals. State-of-the-art X-ray systems have tightly controlled x-ray beams with significant filtration and dose control methods to minimize stray or scatter radiation. This ensures those parts of a patient's body not being imaged receive minimal radiation exposure.
Although there is no radiation that reaches the uterus during a mammogram, we prefer not to perform routine mammograms on women who might be pregnant. If you are coming in because of a breast problem and you are or may be pregnant, please notify the mammographer so that we can decide the best way to evaluate your situation.
Before the Digital Mammography