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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.
More Information
Drawing of a woman standing with her left breast pressed between two plates of a mammography machine. Behind her, a health professional uses an X-ray machine to take pictures of the breast. An inset shows the X-ray film image with an arrow pointed at abnormal tissue.Enlarge this image in new window
Mammography is an imaging test used to screen for and diagnose breast cancer. It can detect abnormal breast tissue, including cancer, sometimes before symptoms appear.
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