What is the definition or description of: mammogram?

Breast X-Ray: A mammogram is the "gold standard" screening test for breast cancer. It's well established that yearly 'grams will DX cancers well before they are palpable, leading to earlier diagnoses and saved lives. All experts agree to begin yearly mammograms by age 50; many (including myself) believe the pro's outweigh the con's to begin at 40. Regrettably, less than half of all women in the us comply.

Imaging: A mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breast. Breast imaging is used to check for breast cancer in women who have no signs or symptoms. Screening mammograms usually involve two x-ray pictures, or images, of each breast. Early detection of breast cancer with screening mammography means that treatment can be started earlier in the course of the disease, possibly before it has spread.

Mammo: A low dose xray of the breasts. The tech will place one breast at a time on a flat surface.A flat compression paddle will gently be lowered to compress the breast. Compression spreads out the breast tissue and eliminates motion.The compression may be uncomfortable,but shouldn't hurt. Compression usually lasts no more than a few seconds. 2 views of each breast are obtained.