Mammograms in Plano, TX

The medical facilities of Village Health Partners in Plano, TX offer a one-stop convenience for women as they manage their health. Our medical practice offers mammograms as a part of our women's health well-checks. According to breast cancer statistics, about 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer over the course of their lifetime. After the age of 35, women are encouraged to receive annual mammograms as they can detect early stages of cancer and prevent the need for long-term treatment. A mammogram uses digital technology to take an image of the internal breast tissue, which can help detect masses, cysts, and cancerous growths. It is recommended that women receive an annual exam even if they have no family history or symptoms of breast cancer.

Even though mammograms are extremely common, most women are apprehensive about getting them. However, the practitioners at our medical practice take great care and use the latest state-of-the-art mammography technology to ensure a comfortable, quick procedure. During a mammogram, the breast is placed between two plates, which are attached to an X-ray screen. The breast is compressed to create a thinner layer of tissue so that the X-ray can then produce sharper images of the internal tissue. Using digital imaging, our doctors can identify and treat any atypical areas. There are two types of mammograms:

• Screening mammograms: done for women who have no symptoms of breast cancer. It usually involves two X-rays of each breast. Screening mammograms can detect lumps or tumors that cannot be felt. They can also find micro-calcifications or tiny deposits of calcium in the breast, which sometimes mean that breast cancer is present.
• Diagnostic mammograms: used to check for breast cancer after a lump or other symptom or sign of breast cancer has been found. Signs of breast cancer may include pain, thickened skin on the breast, nipple discharge, or a change in breast size or shape. This type of mammogram also can be used to find out more about breast changes found on a screening mammogram, or to view breast tissue that is hard to see on a screening mammogram. A diagnostic mammogram takes longer than a screening mammogram because it involves more X-rays in order to obtain views of the breast from several angles. The technician can magnify a problem area to make a more detailed picture, which helps the doctor make a correct diagnosis.

Depending on the patient and the initial results from the mammogram, additional tests may be needed. An ultrasound can be useful to determine the contents of mass tissue or a lump in the breast. In some cases, a biopsy may be taken, which uses a needle to extract breast tissue for further sampling. For women who have had breast cancer before, or for those with a higher risk of breast cancer, MRIs can also be done to determine if any previous cancer cells are active or benign.

The American Cancer Society now recommends that women have a baseline mammogram between the ages of 35 and 40 to give their doctors a basis for comparison. Women between the ages of 40 and 50 should have a mammogram every 1-2 years, and women over the age of 50 should have one annually. If you have a personal or family history of breast cancer, ask our doctors how often you should have mammography before age 40.

Our medical practice strives to provide the best care and treatment solutions for patients. It is our intention to help women live a long, healthy life with annual mammograms to help detect and treat breast cancer at any stage. Our medical team wants to give you the best options possible and we look forward to meeting you. Please contact our office to schedule an upcoming appointment.