The Brain and Spine Institute is made up of experts in the field of neuroscience in order to bring patients the best healthcare in East Tennessee for a full range of neurological diseases and disorders.
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Centers of Excellence
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We provide a comprehensive continuum of cancer services, including prevention, outreach, diagnostic, treatment and support services delivered by our highly skilled staff with compassion and care.
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The Center for Women & Children's Health is a hub for supporting women's and children's individual healthcare needs. The center provides support, research and unmatched patient-centered care.
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Emergency and Trauma Services is the only Level I Trauma Center in the area and serves as the tertiary referral center for medical care in East Tennessee, serving Knox County and 21 surrounding counties.
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The Heart Lung Vascular Institute brings together expertise in clinical care, teaching and research. Patients receive exceptional healthcare combined with patient-centered care.
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Mammography
Full-Field Digital Mammography
Mobile Mammography
Softer Mammograms
One out of every 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer sometime in her lifetime. Early detection and treatment better the chances of a patient being cured. In addition to a breast self-exam, a mammogram is one way for a woman to detect breast cancer in the early stage.
Mammograms are a safe and simple X-ray procedure that creates an image of the breast. This exam includes a minimum of two X-ray views of each breast. By compressing the breast tissue to separate overlapping tissue, a clear image is created. This enhances the chances of locating potential problems of the breast. UT Medical Center offers a softer mammogram to enhance patient comfort as well as a mobile mammography unit for patient convenience.
Mammograms are X-rays of breast tissue—they are used for early detection of breast cancer and diagnosis of other breast conditions. They can detect a cancerous lump when it is the size of a pinhead—about two years before it can be felt.
Age Guidelines for Mammography Screening
Mammography screening should be combined with monthly self-exams and regular examinations by your doctor. Here are general age guidelines for breast care.
| Age | Type Of Examination |
| 20-35 | Monthly self-examination Physical examination by a health professional every three years |
| 35-40 | Monthly self-examination Annual breast examination by a health professional Baseline mammogram |
| 40-49 | Monthly self-examination Annual examination by a health professional Mammogram every one to two years or as recommended by your physician |
| 50 or older | Monthly self-examination Annual examination by a health professional Annual mammogram |
Mammography is performed to screen healthy women for signs of breast cancer. It is also used to evaluate a woman who has symptoms of a breast disease such as a lump, nipple discharge, breast pain, dimpling of the skin on the breast or retraction of the nipple. Mammograms are recommended for many reasons, including for women over the age of 40, those with a personal or family history of breast cancer and those who have never had children.
At the University Breast Center, technologists are registered and have specialized certification in mammography. Patients with an abnormal mammogram or breast lump are evaluated within two days by a physician specializing in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.
More information is available from UT Medical Center’s Breast Care Service, Breast Health Outreach and University Breast Center.
Read about UT Medical Center's mobile mammography services.