Mammography

Knoxville Mammography Services at UT Medical Center

• 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. Upon request, 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.

• Ages 20 - 30:
  • Monthly self-examination
  • Physical examination by a health professional every three years
• Ages 35 - 40:
  • Monthly self-examination
  • Annual breast examination by a health professional
  • Baseline mammogram
• Ages 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.

For more information on Mammography, or to make an appointment, please call 865.305.7870