Mammography

What is Mammography?

A Mammography is an x-ray examination of the breasts. The Radiology Clinic uses computer aided detection (CAD) which acts as a second reader for the radiologist to detect irregularities in the breast tissue that are extremely small. The American Cancer Society recommends a baseline mammogram for women age 35 - 39 followed by yearly mammograms after age 40. Women with a family history of breast cancer may require earlier and more frequent screenings as determined by their physician.

Preparation

It is best to wear a two piece outfit, if possible, as you will be asked to remove all clothing above the waist. Please do not use perfume, powder or lotion until after the examination. Certain chemicals in these products can produce misleading examination results.

If you have prior films from another facility, please bring them with you. If this is not possible, let us know where these studies were performed so that we can retrieve them.

Approximately 30 - 60 minutes should be allowed for the examination. You may be at The Radiology Clinic longer than that due to check-in and interview with the technologist.

If you have children, please make arrangements for childcare, as there are no childcare facilities on site. Due to radiation exposure, children are not allowed in the examination room.

What to Expect

You will be escorted to a dressing room by a mammography technologist, instructed to undress from the waist up and given a gown. During the examination the technologist will position your breast in a compression device. This is used to decrease the overall thickness of the breast during filming thus providing a clearer image. It also allows for a lower radiation dose. The compression, which may be uncomfortable to some women, lasts a few seconds and is released after each exposure. A routine mammogram consists of two views of each breast.

Screening mammograms (patients with no new problems) are checked by the technologist for technical quality before the patient leaves the clinic. All mammograms are read by the radiologist the next morning. If additional views or an ultrasound is needed, you will be called for a return visit.

Diagnostic mammograms (patients with acute problems) are checked by the radiologist while the patient is still in the clinic. If needed, additional views or an ultrasound will be obtained at this visit.

Follow Up

Your referring physician will be provided results 3-4 working days after your examination. You will receive a letter describing the results of your examination within 10 days.

You may wish to avoid mammography the week prior to your menstrual cycle due to breast tenderness.

Important

If you think you are pregnant or may be pregnant, please notify the technologist prior to your exam.

The Mammography program at The Radiology Clinic is accredited by the American College of Radiology.