Mammogram
Mammograms are one of the most important tests for detecting breast cancer. They can help experts spot the signs of breast cancer early, when it’s easier to treat.
At Advocate Health Care, our online scheduling makes getting an appointment simple. We provide same-day or next-day results, so you get quick answers to give you peace of mind or start the path to lifesaving treatment.
What is a mammogram?
A mammogram is an imaging test that uses X-rays to look for early signs of breast cancer. It is one of the best tools doctors have to find breast cancer in its early stages, often before you even experience symptoms.
Schedule your 3D mammogram
Is breast screening the same as a mammogram?
Mammograms are a type of breast screening. Many doctors consider them the gold standard for breast cancer screening. Some women may need other screening tests along with regular mammograms.
Why might I need another type of breast screening?
Women with dense breast tissue may benefit from additional breast screenings. Dense breast tissue means you have more glandular and fibrous tissues in your breast than you have fat.
These dense tissues show up as white spots on your mammogram. This can make it harder to find potentially cancerous masses, which also appear as white spots on mammograms.
What are the types of breast screenings?
At Advocate Health Care, we deliver fast, accurate results by giving you access to the most advanced imaging technology. Our expert team includes fellowship-trained breast imagers and nurse navigators who help you determine which detection method is right for you.
Depending on your risk factors and breast density, your breast cancer screening may include:
These mammograms, also called breast tomosynthesis, take low-dose X-rays of your breast tissue from multiple angles. The mammogram machine moves in an arc around your breast so that your doctor sees it in three dimensions. Learn more about what to expect during a mammogram.
A 3D mammography machine creates both 3D and 2D images for your doctor to review. Studies have shown that using both 3D and 2D images can lead to better, more accurate screening results.
3D mammograms have multiple benefits. These tests can:
- Distinguish harmless masses from actual tumors
- Pinpoint size, shape and location of any tissue irregularities
- Visualize abnormalities in dense breast tissue
We are the first in Illinois to offer contrast-enhanced digital mammograms (CEDM). These mammograms use a contrast dye to help identify cancers that aren’t visible on standard mammograms.
We use CEDM as an alternative to breast MRI, primarily to determine the extent of cancer in women who have been newly diagnosed.
These tests use sound waves to show the inside of your breast. They’re not routine screenings, but your doctor may recommend them along with mammograms if you have dense breasts.
Ultrasounds can also show a clear difference between solid tissue masses, which may be cancerous, and fluid-filled tissue masses, which are rarely cancerous.
An MRI uses magnets and radio waves to get detailed pictures of your breast tissue. You may benefit from a breast MRI if you’ve been newly diagnosed with cancer and your doctor needs to plan surgery or screen your opposite breast. Or your doctor may recommend a breast MRI along with mammograms if you have dense breasts.
In an image-guided biopsy, your doctor may use mammogram, ultrasound or MRI to find a small breast tissue sample to remove for analysis in a laboratory. You may also have a biopsy of your lymph nodes beneath your armpit. A sentinel lymph node biopsy checks to see if cancer has spread.
We may also use stereotactic breast biopsy to take a breast tissue sample. A special mammography machine takes X-rays of your breast from two angles to pinpoint exactly where the abnormal tissue is. Your radiologist (doctor specializing in imaging) uses these precise coordinates to take a small tissue sample.
What are the different types of mammograms?
There are two main types of mammograms: screening mammograms and diagnostic mammograms. Both tests use X-rays to examine breast tissue, but they are performed for different reasons.
Screening mammograms
A screening mammogram is a routine, preventive test to check for early signs of breast cancer in women who experience no symptoms of the disease. Most women with an average risk of breast cancer should start annual screening mammograms between ages 40 and 45. Find out more about when you should get your mammogram.
Diagnostic mammograms
Your doctor may order a diagnostic mammogram when you have symptoms that could be breast cancer, such as:
- A lump
- Breast pain
- Changes in your breast shape or size
- Nipple discharge
- Skin thickening
Diagnostic mammograms take more X-rays of the breast so your doctor can get a closer view of what’s going on. These tests typically take longer than screening mammograms. Your doctor may also order other imaging tests, such as an MRI, along with a diagnostic mammogram.
How much does a mammogram cost?
Mammograms are typically low- or no-cost with insurance. Without insurance, your out-of-pocket costs may be higher. Our team can help you understand your insurance plan and costs before you get a mammogram.
Is a mammogram covered by insurance?
Most insurance providers, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover screening mammograms with no out-of-pocket costs. Your costs for a diagnostic mammogram may be higher.
Are you at risk for breast cancer?
Knowing your chance of developing breast cancer can help you plan a routine screening schedule. Our breast health quiz estimates your five-year and lifetime risk and gives you an idea of what to do next based on your results.