A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breasts that detects abnormalities and lumps in the breast area. In traditional film mammography, the picture is projected onto film, which takes about 10 minutes to develop. Digital mammography takes an electronic picture of the breast and displays it on a computer, allowing images to be immediately viewed, stored and sent electronically. In both cases, some compression of the breast tissue is required to capture the sharpest image possible. This very brief pressure causes little discomfort for most women.
