Women's Imaging: Screening Mammography

Screening Mammography

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in women (second only to skin cancer) and it is one of the leading causes of death in women in the U.S. All women are at risk of developing breast cancer. The vast majority of breast cancer cases occur in women with no family history of the disease.

Mammography is the only imaging test which has been proven in multiple randomized controlled studies to reduce the mortality rate from breast cancer. The goal of breast cancer screening is to diagnose tumors when they are small, not detectable on a physical exam and at an earlier stage. This gives the best chance for cure as well as less aggressive treatment options.

Who Should Get a Mammogram?

Screening mammography is performed for women who have no current breast problems or symptoms. The American Cancer Society and The American College of Radiology both recommend that all women begin yearly mammography screening beginning at age 40. Some women may have significant risk factors for breast cancer such that they are considered “high-risk” patients and it may be recommended that they begin yearly breast screening at an earlier age. If you believe you may be at higher risk for breast cancer, you should discuss this possibility with your health care provider. Situations which may place a patient in this “high risk” category would include:

A personal history of breast cancer
A first-degree relative with breast cancer at a premenopausal age; or a male relative with breast cancer
Multiple relatives with breast and/or ovarian cancer
A personal or family history of a BRCA gene mutation
A personal history of radiation therapy to the chest between the ages of 10 and 30
A personal history of breast biopsy with a diagnosis of “high-risk” lesion including atypical hyperplasia or LCIS/lobular neoplasia

Digital Mammography - The Most Advanced Technology

Digital mammography is currently the most advanced technology available for performing mammography and all mammography at our Center is performed digitally. With a digital mammogram, the x-ray image is captured electronically rather than with film (in much the same way as a digital camera takes a picture). This digital technology provides several technical advantages including:

Decreased radiation dose
Images are stored electronically
Images can be adjusted electronically to optimize visualization of small tumors and calcifications
Imaging can be performed more quickly by the technologists
Fewer repeat exposures are required for technical issues

The Exam

A mammogram is an x-ray of the breasts, performed using equipment specifically designed for this purpose only. On the day of your appointment you should avoid using deodorants, lotions and powders since they can cause artifacts on the images which mimic calcifications. During the exam a technologist, specially trained in mammography, positions each breast to obtain images to include as much of the breast tissue as possible. Compression is applied to the breasts during the x-ray exposure. Compression very importantly thins the breast tissue in order to minimize the dose of radiation to the breast. It also prevents motion artifact/blurring of the image and provides improved detail of the images.

The technologist then evaluates the images for technical adequacy. The images are then interpreted by one of our breast imaging radiologists and a report is sent to both you and your health care provider.

Your Results

You should be sent your results no later than 30 days from the date of your screening exam. (Most typically you will receive results in 2 weeks). If any abnormality or issue is found on your screening mammogram images, we will attempt to contact you by telephone to arrange follow-up imaging as recommended by the radiologist. Please remember that an abnormality on a screening mammogram simply indicates that additional mammography views or ultrasound are required to give a final interpretation. It does not typically indicate a serious problem.

Now Accepting New Patients.
Most Insurances Accepted.

Please call for an appointment.
Phone: 410-332-9102
Tollfree: 1-800-MD-Mercy (1-800-636-3729)