Mammogram | Mammography

MaineHealth has mammogram and mammography services at specialty clinics, breast care clinics and community hospitals. We make it easy and convenient for women to have routine and diagnostic breast exams. Early detection is key to treating breast cancer and breast problems. Our advanced diagnostic and imaging services give women the peace of mind and the breast care they need.

What is a mammogram?

A mammogram is a breast X-ray. Mammograms are the best tool for finding breast cancer early. Early breast cancer detection is key to breast cancer treatment.

Screening mammogram: Mammograms are used to check women who have no signs or symptoms of breast cancer. These kinds of mammograms are called screening mammograms. The X-ray pictures can find tumors that cannot be felt.

Talk to your doctor about having a screening mammogram, when to start screening, and how often to be screened.

Diagnostic mammogram: Mammograms also can find breast cancer after a woman has a lump or other breast problem. This type of mammogram is called a diagnostic mammogram.

Signs and symptoms of breast cancer

Check with your doctor if you have any of the following signs or symptoms of breast cancer:

  • Breast lump or breast thickening (including in the underarm area)

  • Breast changes in breast size and breast shape

  • Dimple or puckering in the breast

  • Nipple changes, including nipple turned inward into the breast

  • Breast discharge, including blood

  • Scaly, red or swollen skin on the breast

What is the best way to find breast cancer?

Getting a high-quality screening mammogram and having a clinical breast exam on a regular basis are the best ways to detect breast cancer early, according to the American Cancer Society. With the clinical breast exam, your healthcare provider will carefully feel the breasts and under the arms for lumps or anything else that feels unusual.

Complete OB/GYN care

MaineHealth provides obstetrics and gynecology services at doctor’s offices, specialty clinics and community hospitals. The OB-GYNs at MaineHealth provide women’s reproductive care that is skilled and compassionate.