Mammogram Specialist

What is a mammogram and who qualifies for one?

A mammogram is a specific X-ray of your breasts. Depending on your age and risk factors, Dr. Patterson might recommend you get a mammogram to detect early signs of breast cancer. 

If you have the disease, seeking treatment right away helps prevent cancer from spreading to other parts of your body. 

Dr. Patterson may suggest you get annual mammograms beginning at age 40-45, depending on your risk of developing cancer. If you have a personal or family history of breast cancer, you’re at increased risk of developing the disease and should have more regular screenings.

What is the process of receiving a mammogram?

During a mammogram, you stand in front of a special X-ray machine while a technician places your breast on a clear plastic plate. Another plate firmly presses against your breast from above, flattening it and holding it still during the X-ray. Your provider repeats the procedure with your second breast.

Expect to feel some pressure during each mammogram, but the procedure doesn’t last long. A radiologist interprets your results and lets you know if you need additional diagnostic testing or treatment for breast cancer.

Why are mammograms important?

Mammograms are important because about 1 in 8 women in the United States develop breast cancer at some point during their lives. When detected early, breast cancer is often highly treatable. 

Routine mammograms help your provider detect breast cancer up to three years before you can feel a lump in your breast.

What are the differences between a mammogram and a breast ultrasound?

A mammogram and breast ultrasound are both important diagnostic imaging procedures. Dr. Patterson might recommend you get an ultrasound in addition to a mammogram — or by itself — to assess your breasts or blood flow to areas around your breasts.

A breast ultrasound doesn’t use radiation like mammography, so it’s safe for pregnant women. Ultrasound procedures are useful if you’re allergic to contrast dye, have silicone breast implants, or are younger than 30. 

During breast ultrasounds, your provider uses a handheld probe to emit ultrasound waves and form detailed images of your breast tissue.

However, breast ultrasounds don’t always detect early signs of breast cancer, which is why mammograms are the gold standard for breast cancer screening.

Dr. Patterson is a part owner of the gorgeous well run Boca Raton Mammography located at 880 NW 13th St., Suite 2C Boca Raton, Fl. 33486. His patients love this efficient new center with  3D Digital Mammogram that this specific machine causes less breast compression and is more comfortable than other mammogram machines. Also breast ultrasound can be done at the same appointment, and my patients love that that our center runs on time. It is very clean and you will only see 1 other patient there and only a few staff as only breast studies are done at our center and you have the option of waiting and getting the results in 45 minutes or , the results were be available by the end of the day or the next day at the latest. You must be a patient of Dr Patterson's or one of the other doctor owners to have your mammogram & ultrasound at out center that accepts every insurance that I accept in my office.