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Screening & Diagnostic Mammography |
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Your decision to have a mammogram is one of the more important things you can do for your health. Breast cancer is one of the most significant health threats facing women today. The good news is that the earlier a breast cancer is detected, the better the chance for a complete cure. Breast self-examination, physical examination by a healthcare provider, and mammography are all important in breast cancer screening. Mammography is the most effective method of early detection.
Patient Experience
A mammogram is an x-ray examination of the breast used to detect evidence of breast cancer.
Today’s mammography machines produce high quality images using a very low dose of x-ray. The breast is momentarily compressed for each picture in order to spread the tissue apart and allow for the lowest possible x-ray dose. This is crucial for clear images. Although breast compression may cause discomfort, you should not experience significant pain. Please inform your technologist if you do experience pain.
The mammogram pictures are black-and-white images of the breast tissue. They will be examined and interpreted by a radiologist with advanced training in breast cancer diagnosis. A radiologist is a medical healthcare provider who specializes in diagnosing diseases with imaging techniques such as x-ray and ultrasound.
Screening & Diagnostic Mammography
There are two types of mammograms:
Screening mammograms are meant for women with no breast symptoms. Diagnostic mammograms are meant for women with breast problems (such as a lump or discharge) or other unique circumstances. Diagnostic Mammograms are performed under direct supervision of the radiologist.
Accuracy of Mammography
Sometimes following a screening mammogram you may be asked to return for additional mammogram pictures or for ultrasound. This does not necessarily mean an abnormality was found or that your mammogram was not properly obtained. If contacted, it is very important for you to return so we can perform the necessary additional imaging. We will make every effort to arrange this as quickly and conveniently as possible for you.
Mammography can detect 85% of all breast cancers that can be diagnosed. This compares to physical examination, which detects about 50% of the cancers. Mammography is important because the cancers seen on a mammogram, but not detected through physical examination, are often smaller and more curable cancers.
However, approximately 15% of breast cancers cannot be seen on even the highest-quality mammography, which is why physical exam is also important in screening. If there is a lump or other breast abnormality and the mammogram is “negative,” this does not mean that cancer is eliminated. In this case, consultation with your healthcare provider will be needed to make the decision on follow-up care.
We also encourage you to contact your healthcare provider any time you experience a breast abnormality, whether or not you are due for your mammogram or physical examination
Before Making Your Appointment - It is best to have your clinical (physical) breast examination prior to your mammogram. If something is found on physical exam you can be scheduled for a Diagnostic rather than Screening Mammogram.
- If you have a breast lump, unusual or localized breast discomfort, implants or other unique circumstances, please inform the office staff before arriving for your mammogram so you can be scheduled for the correct mammogram.
- To minimize discomfort, the best time to schedule your mammogram is the week following onset of your period.
- If you have breast tenderness, consider taking a mild pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen (Tylenol) approximately one hour before your scheduled mammogram. If caffeine causes breast tenderness, try to refrain from caffeinated beverages for one week prior to your mammogram.
- If you have had mammograms performed at another facility, please make every effort to obtain them in advance of your current mammogram. We will assist you with this process. It is very important to have previous mammograms for comparison.
- Please do not wear deodorant, lotion or body powder on your chest or underarm areas on the day of your mammogram. These products interfere with the quality of your mammogram.
After Your Exam
A screening mammogram will be examined by the radiologist the day following your examination. However, if your previous mammograms are not available then your current mammogram may be held up to 30 days before a final interpretation is made.
You should receive notification of the results of your mammogram through your healthcare provider’s office within 30 days. If you have not heard the results within 30 days it is important that you call your healthcare provider’s office or the office where your mammogram was done and ask for the report.
We are here to answer your questions and help in any way we can. Our staff will be happy to assist you in any way we can.
Diagnostic Mammography is available at: Breast Center of Suburban Imaging
Screening Mammography is available at: Breast Center of Suburban Imaging, Blaine, Southdale and Burnsville |
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