Mammography

MAMMOGRAPHY

Mammography, a safe and reliable technique, is the most accurate X-ray method available for analyzing the nature of breast tissue. The exam will be performed on the most up-to-date equipment, providing excellent visualization of the breasts and a lower radiation dose to you. Most breast disease is NOT cancerous, but, when you and/or your doctor need to know more about the nature of a lump, thickening, or other changes in the breast, mammography can help.

REGULAR SCREENING
The American Cancer Society recommends that you have a baseline mammography between the ages of 35 and 40. A mammogram should be done every one or two years between the ages of 40 and 50. An annual mammogram should be done after the age of 50. In addition, self breast examinations will assist in identifying abnormalities.

HOW MAMMOGRAPHY WORKS
Mammography uses safe, low doses of X-ray to image the inside of the breast. The X-rays pass through the breast and create an image on a film or plate. On the film itself, an abnormal area appears noticeably different from normal breast tissue. Your Radiologist studies your mammogram to detect any variations from the normal.

PREPARING FOR YOUR EXAM

PLEASE let the technologist know if you are pregnant or whether there is a chance that you might be.
ON THE DAY OF THE EXAMINATION, please do not use any deodorant, perfume, powders, ointment, or preparation of any sort in the underarm area or on your breasts. Residue on the skin from such preparations can obscure your mammograms.
You will find it more convenient to wear a blouse with a skirt or slacks, rather than a dress, since it is necessary to undress to waist for the examination.
Please obtain a written order from your doctor to present to the hospital on the day of your examination.

ONCE YOU GET IN THE ROOM
To ensure the best exam results possible, your breasts may be examined prior to the mammography by the Radiologist or technologist. Depending on the type of equipment used for your exam, you may be asked to stand, sit, or lie down. Compression of your breast, using a plastic paddle, is necessary for proper imaging of your breasts. This compression will not harm your breasts in any way. The compression will be firm to the breasts, but no real pain will be felt. You can expect to have four or five films of the breasts taken. Then your Radiologist checks the films. Occasionally, more images may be needed to complete your exam.

FINDING OUT THE RESULTS
Your mammogram will be examined by your Radiologist. The Radiologist reports to your personal physician, who will then discuss the findings with you. The hospital will also send a letter directly to you summarizing the findings. Allow 36 to 48 hours for results to reach your physician. If you have not heard from your physician within one week of your exam, you should contact her/him directly to discuss the findings of your mammogram. Please feel free to ask questions concerning your exam and we will try to answer them for you.

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Radiologic Studies