Mammography

Mammography, an x-ray of your breast, is the most accurate method of breast cancer detection. This test is used to screen for breast cancer as well as to determine the cause of breast complaints, such as lumps or nipple discharge. While the examination does use radiation, the exposure is minimal.

Breast cancer affects 1 out of 8 American women. Early and accurate detection is critical to successful treatment. The American Cancer Society recommends that all women have a baseline screening mammogram at approximately age 35 and yearly screening mammograms after age 40. Also, your doctor may order a mammogram to determine the cause of a change in the breast, such as a new or enlarging lump, or nipple discharge.

Preparing for a Mammogram

• Avoid using deodorants or powders on the day of the examination. These products contain ingredients that can cause a false positive reading on your mammogram.
• Notify the mammography technologist if you are breast feeding or if there is any possibility that you are pregnant.
• Wear a two-piece outfit on the day of your mammogram; you will be asked to undress from the waist up and put on a gown.

During and After a Mammogram

During the procedure the technologist will assist you to position your breast on a high resolution imaging plate for each picture. Once positioned, a compression paddle will come down to the first, compressing the breast tissue. In general, the flatter the breast tissue is, the more accurate the picture. While this may be uncomfortable, it is the most important factor in obtaining the best possible pictures. As the picture is being taken, you will need to stay perfectly still and hold your breath. Usually, two pictures are taken of each breast.

Once the pictures have been developed, they will be checked for quality and the technologist will release you. One of Arcadia Radiology Medical Group's Radiologists will interpret the exam. It is possible that when the films are read, if there are any new findings, the radiologist may want to obtain more mammographic films and, possibly, an ultrasound of the breast. If this occurs, you will be called back as soon as possible for those additional pictures. If you are called back, don't be alarmed. While new findings need to be investigated further, most findings are benign (not cancerous).

If you have had a prior mammogram done elsewhere, please have those films sent to our facility so that we may compare them to your current examination.