Mammogram Center - San Rafael, CA
WebMD Physician DirectorySan Rafael, CaliforniaUpcoming Local Events2012-06-16
2012-06-24
2012-07-01
2012-07-14
2012-07-28
2012-08-05
2012-08-12
2012-08-25
2012-08-26
2012-10-21
MammogramWhat is a mammogram?A mammogram is an X-ray test that produces an image of the inner breast tissue on film. This technique, called mammography, is used to visualize normal and abnormal structures within the breasts. Mammography, therefore, can help in identifying cysts, calcifications, and tumors within the breast. It is currently the most efficient screening method to detect early breast cancer. Breast self-examination (BSE) on a monthly basis and examination by a doctor are still important, but physical examinations typically find breast cancers when they are much larger than those detected by mammography. Mammography can be used to discover a small cancer in a curable stage; however, it is not foolproof. Depending a woman's age and other factors, approximately ten to fifteen percent of breast cancers are not identified by mammography, and these cancers are often found by physical examination. It is essential for a woman to perform monthly BSE and have a breast examination by her doctor in addition to the mammogram in order to most effectively screen for breast cancer. For more information, please see the Breast Cancer article. The American Cancer Society recommends that a woman obtain her first baseline mammogram between the ages of 35 to 40. After the age of 40, she should receive a yearly mammogram. Women who are at high risk for developing breast cancer may need to obtain mammograms earlier than these recommendations and at more frequent intervals. Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance companies cover the cost of mammography. What are the risks of mammography?Because x-ray procedures use radiation, there is some small risk of radiation side effects to the body. The amount of radiation that is administered in mammography is exceptionally low and is approved by national and international regulatory agencies as well as the National Department of Health and Human Services. However,... Recommended Reading Related to MammogramWhat are causes of breast lumps?There are many causes of breast lumps. Some of these causes are harmless, while others can be painful and/or dangerous. Causes of breast lumps include infections, injuries, non-cancerous growths, and cancer. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women in the United States. Currently, death rates from breast cancer are declining. The decline in death rates may be due to a combination of earlier detection and better screening as well as improved treatments. While most breast lumps are harmless (benign), every breast lump should be evaluated by a doctor to exclude or establish a diagnosis of cancer.
Picture of the anatomy of the breast Infections that cause breast lumpsInflammation of the breast tissue is known as mastitis. Mastitis is especially common in women who are breastfee... Other Related Mammogram ArticlesEmergency Contact for San Rafael
Nearby San Rafael Hospitals * Kentfield Rehabilitation & Specialty Hospital  Marin General Hospital  Kaiser Permanente San Rafael Medical Center  Novato Community Hospital  Doctor's Medical Center San Pablo  San Francisco VA Medical Center  California Pacific Medical Center California Campus  California Pacific Medical Center East Campus  California Pacific Medical Center Pacific Campus  Chinese Hospital  Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Medical Center  UCSF Medical Center at Mount Zion  Saint Francis Memorial Hospital  St Mary's Medical Center  California Pacific Medical Center Davies Campus  UCSF Medical Center at Parnassus  Alta Bates Summit Medical Center Herrick Campus  Laguna Honda Hospital & Rehabilitation Center  San Francisco General Hospital  St Luke's Hospital  Alta Bates Summit Medical Center Alta Bates Campus  Children's Hospital & Research Center Oakland  Alta Bates Summit Medical Center Summit Campus  Kaiser Permanente Medical Center at Oakland  St Helena Hospital Center for Behavioral Health  Kaiser Permanente Vallejo Medical Center  Sutter Solano Medical Center  Petaluma Valley Hospital  Alameda County Medical Center Highland Campus  Seton Medical Center  Alameda Hospital  Contra Costa Regional Medical Center  Sonoma Valley Hospital  Kaiser Permanente South San Francisco Medical Center  VA Northern CA Healthcare System at Martinez  Napa State Hospital  Kaiser Permanente Walnut Creek Medical Center  John Muir Behavioral Health Center  John Muir Medical Center Walnut Creek Campus  John Muir Medical Center Concord Campus  Queen of the Valley Medical Center  San Leandro Hospital  Kindred Hospital San Francisco Bay Area  John George Psychiatric Pavilion  Alameda County Medical Center Fairmont Campus  Mills-Peninsula Health Services  Mills Hospital  Eden Medical Center  Seton Medical Center Coastside  Telecare Solano Psychiatric Health Facility  NorthBay Medical Center  Palm Drive Hospital  San Mateo Medical Center  Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital Main Campus  Kaiser Permanente Hayward Medical Center  St Rose Hospital  San Ramon Regional Medical Center Featured Articles*Provider Directory Terms of Use: The WebMD 'Provider Directory' is provided by WebMD for use by the general public as a quick reference of information about Providers. The Provider Directory is not intended as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any Provider contained therein. Inclusion in the Provider Directory does not imply recommendation or endorsement nor does omission in the Provider Directory imply WebMD disapproval. |
Suggested Reading on Mammogram by Our Doctors
-
Related Diseases & Conditions
10 articles-
Breast Cancer
- Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and the second most common cause of cancer death in women in the U.S. Symptoms include a lump in the breast or underarm area, nipple pain, change in breast size or shape, an inverted nipple, nipple discharge, and breast skin changes. Treatment may involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy, biological therapy, hormone therapy, or surgery.
-
Women's Health
- Women's health is an important topic area to guide a woman through the stages of her life, as well as knowing the conditions and diseases that may occur. Educating yourself so that the transitions into different phases of life is key to a healthy, happy, and productive life.
-
Breast Cancer Prevention
- Lifestyle changes, a healthy antioxidant-rich diet, exercise, and weight reduction can help reduce a woman's risk of developing breast cancer. It's important to be aware of how risk factors such as family history, lifestyle factors, breast conditions, radiation therapy, and hormonal factors may influence your chances of developing breast cancer. Mammography and breast self-examinations are crucial steps in breast cancer prevention.
-
Breast
- The breast generally refers to the chest, however, more specifically, to the mammary gland. The mammary gland is a milk producing gland comprised largely of fat. Within the mammary gland is a complex network of branching ducts. The ducts exit from sac-like structures called lobules, which can produce milk in females. The darkened area around the nipple is called the areola. Common medical concerns in regard to the breast include breast lumps, breast cysts, breast cancer, and breast infections.
-
Fibrocystic Breast Condition
- Fibrocystic breast condition (sometimes called fibrocystic breast disease) is characterized by lumpiness and usually discomfort in one or both breasts. The condition is very common and benign (not malignant). Fibrocystic breast condition is the most common cause of "lumpy breasts" in women. A common symptom of fibrocystic breast condition is breast pain or discomfort. There are two types of fibrocystic breast condition, cysts and fibrosis, and Hyperplasia and atypical hyperplasia of breast cells.
-
Disease Prevention in Women
- Disease prevention in women includes screening tests that are a basic part of prevention medicine. All screening tests are commonly available through your general doctor. Some specialized tests may be available elsewhere.
-
Breast Lumps (In Women)
- Breast lumps in women can have a variety of causes such as breast inflammation, infection, injuries, cancer, and non-cancerous growths. Breast lumps in women are diagnosed with physical exam, mammogram, ultrasound, MRI, and biopsy. Treatment of breast lumps in women depend on the cause.
-
Sexual Health
- Sexual health information including birth control, impotence, herpes, sexually transmitted diseases, staying healthy, women's sexual health concerns, and men's sexual health concerns. Learn about the most common sexual conditions affecting men and women.
-
Estimating Breast Cancer Risk: Questions and Answers
- As breast cancer is the most diagnosed non-skin cancer in American women, it is important to know your breast cancer risk. Risk factors include age, age at menarche, age at first live birth, history of breast abnormalities, breast biopsies, race, and history or breast cancer among first-degree relatives.
-
Gynecomastia
- Gynecomastia, an enlargement of the gland tissue in the male breast is the caused by an imbalance of hormones. Certain medical conditions may also lead to gynecomastia such as cirrhosis, malnutrition, disorders of the male sex organs, kidney failure, thyroid disorders, and medications. Gynecomastia is generally treated with medication, and if necessary surgery.
-
Breast Cancer
-
Medications
0 articles -
Procedures & Tests
6 articles -
Pictures, Images & Quizzes
5 articles -
Doctor's & Expert's Views
5 articles -
Health News
48 articles -
Health Features
3 articles
