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Mammogram Center - Yakima, WA

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Yakima, Washington

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Mammogram

What 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 Mammogram

Breast Lumps (In Women) »

What 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 lumps

Inflammation of the breast tissue is known as mastitis. Mastitis is especially common in women who are breastfee...

Emergency Contact for Yakima

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Yakima Hospitals *

Yakima Regional Medical & Cardiac Center
110 S 9th Ave
Yakima, WA 98902
(509)575-5000

Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital
2811 Tieton Dr
Yakima, WA 98902
(509)575-8000

Kittitas Valley Community Hospital
603 S Chestnut St
Ellensburg, WA 98926
(509)962-9841

Toppenish Community Hospital
502 W 4th Ave
Toppenish, WA 98948
(509)865-3105

Sunnyside Community Hospital
1016 Tacoma Ave
Sunnyside, WA 98944
(509)837-1500

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