Is it time for your exam? If so, you may wonder what type of breast imaging you will experience while visiting our Knoxville, TN center. Our state-of-the-art breast imaging and health services ensure that, no matter what testing you receive, you receive accurate results. These are the types of breast imaging you can expect in our office.   3D Breast Imaging: Digital Mammography The cornerstone of all breast imaging is mammography, performed yearly. State-of-the-art breast mammography involves digital imaging with tomographic slices, also called 3D mammography. 3D is a bit of a misnomer; tomographic imaging really is a slice-by-slice analysis rather than a 3D analysis. For example, imagine a loaf of bread. 3D imaging looks at the loaf as a […]

Understanding breast cancer risk factors can play a key role in timely detection and effective treatment. At Mosaic Breast Imaging, we emphasize the importance of awareness and regular screenings for all women. This comprehensive guide will discuss various risk factors, both controllable and non-controllable, and provide recommendations for optimal breast health and cancer prevention. Non-Controllable Risk Factors for Breast Cancer Certain risk factors, such as age, gender, and genetics, cannot be changed. Being female and getting older are two of the greatest risk factors for the development of breast cancer. For example, the risk of getting breast cancer at age 40 is 1.5%.  At age 60, this percentage increases to 3.5%, while at age 70 it is 4.1%.  The overall […]

When should I start getting a mammogram? What about breast ultrasounds? How often should I screen for breast cancer? Are breast self-exams enough? These questions are all relevant to women nearing middle age. We’ll answer these questions with screening recommendations, as well as make professional recommendations of our own. Let’s start with screening mammography. When Should You Start Mammography Screenings? The data is overwhelmingly clear. Women in the US should start getting their mammograms EVERY year starting at age 40. This is the formal recommendation of the imaging experts in the United States – the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the Society of Breast Imaging (SBI). Numerous randomized controlled studies (RCTs) have shown that breast cancer mortality is decreased […]

Breast pain is very common and usually not associated with an underlying problem—in other words, pain in breasts is rarely associated with cancer. Breast pain can be associated with something as simple as a poorly fitting bra or from a more serious concern. In this article, we will discuss breast pain causes and when pain in the breast requires a visit to a doctor. Breast pain is typically categorized as cyclical and non-cyclical. What is Cyclical Breast Pain? Cyclical breast pain is caused by the menstrual cycle. It usually appears a few days or one week before the menstrual cycle begins and may last the duration of menstruation. Typically, it involves either the whole breast or the upper outer portions, […]