Mammograms for Michigan Women
What is Mammography?
Mammography is a certain type of imaging that uses a low-dose x-ray system to examine the breasts. A mammography exam, also called a mammogram, is used to aid in the early an detection and diagnosis of breast diseases. Mammograms are used as a screening tool to detect early breast cancer in women experiencing no symptoms and to detect and diagnose breast disease in women experiencing symptoms such as a lump, pain or nipple discharge. 
An x-ray (radiography) is a noninvasive medical test that assists doctors diagnose and treat any medical conditions. Imaging with x-rays involves exposing a part of your body to a small dose of ionizing radiation to produce pictures of the inside of a body. X-rays are the oldest and most frequently used form of medical imaging.
Two recent advances in mammography include digital mammography and computer-aided detection.
Digital mammography, also known as full-field digital mammography (FFDM), is a mammography system in which the x-ray film is replaced by solid-state detectors that convert x-rays into electric signals. The detectors are similar to those found in a digital camera. The electric signals are used to produce images of the breast that can be seen on a computer screen or printed on special film similar to conventional mammograms. From the patient’s point of view, having a digital mammogram is essentially the same as having a conventional film mammogram.
Computer-aided detection (CAD) systems use a digitized mammographic image that can be obtained from either a conventional film mammogram or a digitally acquired mammogram. The computer software then searches for abnormal areas of density, mass, or calcification that may indicate the presence of cancer. The CAD system highlights these areas on the images, alerting the radiologist to the need for further analysis (Radiological Society, 2011).
If it is time for your mammography exam or mammogram please call or visit our Westland Clinic where we proudly serve women from anywhere in Southeastern Michigan and the following adjacent communities:
■ Farmington and Farmington Hills Michigan
■ Wayne, Inkster and Romulus Michigan
■ Dearborn, Garden City, Dearborn Heights Michigan
■ Redford and Livonia Michigan
■ Plymouth and Canton Michigan
■ Downriver Michigan
For Mammograms or Mammography services for women in Wayne or Oakland County Michigan, Please call us at the Westland Clinic Phone: 734.728.2130
Radiological Society. (2011). Mammography. Retrieved from http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=mammo