Abstract: A mammographic device comprises an X-ray source for emitting X-rays along a predetermined path, a film holder disposed in the predetermined path of the X-rays for holding film to be exposed to the X-rays, a compression plate disposed in the predetermined path of the X-rays, and positionable for compressing, and holding in position, against the film holder a woman's breast to be X-rayed, and a suspension arrangement disposed between the X-ray source and the compression plate for holding the X-ray source and the compression plate in a fixed relative mutual position so that the distance between the X-ray source and the compression plate remains constant. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the compression plate holder and compression plate are formed into an integral structure made of plexiglass. Preferably, the compression plate contains a matrix pattern of holes or perforations for facilitating biopsy guidance and needle aspiration cytology.