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mammography
(ma-MAH-gruh-fee)
- An imaging method that uses low-dose x-rays to create detailed pictures of the breast. It is used to detect cancer and other breast conditions. During the exam, the breasts are positioned one at a time between an x-ray plate and a plastic compression plate. Each breast is gently pressed between the plates to spread the breast tissue for a clearer image. Images are taken from different angles. Mammography is the most common screening test for breast cancer.