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For women who need it, a growing number of OhioHealth locations offer digital mammography. It's a new way to store your breast image on a computer so the radiologist can enhance or magnify it to get a better look. For women with dense breasts, this new technology helps the radiologist more easily see subtle differences between normal and abnormal areas.
OhioHealth locations with Digital Mammography
Digital Mammography: Frequently Asked Questions
How is digital mammography different from conventional film mammography?
Both digital and conventional mammography use x-ray radiation to produce an image of the breast. Conventional mammography stores the image directly on film. Digital mammography takes an electronic image of the breast and stores it directly on a computer.
Does a digital mammogram feel the same as a film mammogram?
A digital mammogram is similar to a film mammogram. Most women may not notice the difference. Positioning and compression of the breast are identical.
Should all women have digital mammography?
No. Recent studies show digital and film mammography have very similar screening accuracy.
Because early detection of breast cancer is important for successful treatment, an annual screening mammogram, digital or film, should be a part of every woman's healthcare beginning at age 40.
Which women would benefit from digital mammography?
Both digital and conventional mammograms are effective in detecting breast changes. Only women who fit in any of these three categories would benefit from digital mammography over conventional film mammography.
- Under age 50
- Of any age with dense or very dense breast tissue
- Pre- or peri-menopausal women of any age
Which women would not benefit from digital mammography?
There is no apparent benefit of digital mammography over film mammography for women who fit all of the following three categories:
- Over age 50
- Those who do not have dense or very dense breast tissue
- Those who are not still menstruating
How do I know if I have dense breasts?
Dense breast tissue isn't something you can see or feel. At present, this can only be determined by a prior mammogram. Usually breast density is noted on the Radiologist's mammogram report or it can be determined by the mammogram technologist by viewing your past mammograms.
How will it be determined if I will have a digital or film mammogram?
If your OhioHealth mammography location offers both digital and film mammography, then the technologist will make the determination of which one is right for you by reviewing prior mammograms, if available.
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