What is a Mammogram?

A mammogram is a safe, low-dose x-ray image of the inner structures of your breast. Mammography is used to detect the early signs of breast cancer. Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women in the United States. One in eight women will develop breast cancer during her lifetime. Despite these frightening statistics, the good news is the chances of surviving breast cancer are better today than ever before. Although breast cancer cannot be prevented, early detection allows for the best chance of cure available today. Mammography can detect breast cancer when it is very small, even before it can be felt. By finding cancer early, less surgery is needed to treat the tumor. More importantly, finding breast cancer in its earliest stage offers women a 90% chance of surviving. Our mammography centers are fully accredited by the American College of Radiology and certified by the FDA.

Your Mammography Experience

When you arrive at our office, you will be asked to complete a medical questionnaire. You will then be escorted to an individual dressing room and asked to undress from the waist up and wear a gown provided. A certified female technologist will review your medical history and symptoms related to your breasts. In the examination room, the technologist will position you in a standing position at the machine. The mammogram usually consists of two x-rays of each breast. Your breast will be positioned over the film. Moderate compression will be applied to your breast in order to obtain the clearest picture with the least amount of radiation. The compression is not dangerous. It does not damage the breast tissue and does not produce long-term discomfort. Some women with sensitive breasts may experience mild discomfort so try to schedule the procedure when your breasts are least tender. If pain occurs as compression is increased, tell the technologist and less compression will be used. Occasionally, there is a mild aching immediately following the mammogram. This can be relieved by Tylenol, buffered aspirin or ibuprofen, which you may take if you are not allergic to any of these medications. For a nominal fee Softer Touch mammography imaging pads are available for those who may be prone to discomfort. In a few cases, the radiologist may request additional views or a sonogram to further evaluate your breasts. The entire mammography procedure takes less than thirty minutes.

What happens after I am finished?

A board certified radiologist with extensive experience in mammography will interpret your mammogram, describe any abnormalities, and suggest a likely diagnosis. Because some breast cancers are hard to visualize, the radiologist might want to compare the images to previous results. A report of the results will be sent to your doctor. All urgent findings will be communicated immediately. You will also receive a report of your results in the mail.

Like all physicians, a radiologist must have graduated from an accredited medical school, passed a licensing examination, and completed at least four years of residency. A radiologic technologist has undergone one to four years of training, leading to a certificate, associate's degree, or bachelor's degree. With additional training, a technologist can specialize and work exclusively with specialized radiographic equipment.