Services

Screening Mammography

All RIA locations offer digital mammography and CAD technology.

Screening mammography is a low-dose x-ray exam of the breasts. When performed annually as recommended, it is the key to detecting breast cancer early and saving lives. Women 40 years of age and older with no symptoms of breast disease should schedule their screening mammogram appointments annually. If you are experiencing a worrisome lump, changes in the breast skin, nipple discharge, or if you have a personal history of breast cancer, your physician should order a more comprehensive exam, or a diagnostic or comprehensive mammogram.

Radiology Imaging Associates offers digital mammography as the standard of care. A digital mammogram replaces film used with a traditional (or analog) mammogram with digital receptor technology. From the patient's perspective, the exam time may be a bit shorter, and images are produced almost instantly on the monitor. Much like a digital photograph, digital mammograms allow the radiologist to manipulate brightness and contrast to show subtle detail that film mammography cannot provide. Additionally, digital mammography delivers lower radiation doses.

Most importantly, studies have shown that digital mammography is more accurate for women under 50 years of age, pre-menopausal women, and women with dense breast tissue. Digital mammography enables our radiologists to better visualize areas of concern on a background of dense tissue. Because of this benefit, digital mammography decreases the chances that a patient with dense tissue may be called back in for additional images.

Mammograms do require breast compression, which may cause some discomfort for a brief time during each x-ray, but it should not be painful. Breast compression helps produce better mammograms by:

• Flattening the breast so that the maximum amount of tissue can be examined
• Allowing a lower x-ray dose to be used
• Holding the breast in place to prevent blurring caused by motion

If you have sensitive breasts, schedule your mammogram during the two weeks following your menstrual cycle. Many women's breasts are less tender then, thereby reducing the possibility of discomfort during the mammogram.

For more information on this and other radiology procedures, please visit www.radiologyinfo.org.

Benefits and Risks

Screening mammography is the best imaging option for detection of breast cancer, including invasive ductal and invasive lobular cancer. It is also the only proven method to reliably detect small mineral deposits in the breast, micro-calcifications, which may indicate an early form of breast cancer called ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). When breast cancers of all kinds are detected early, more treatment options are available.

It is important to note that 5% to15% of all screening mammogram results will require additional testing; this percentage is slightly higher for women 40-49 years of age. This follow-up appointment may include specialized mammographic views or breast ultrasound. Should additional imaging be needed, a member of our breast imaging team will contact you personally to discuss the recommended next steps. The process of undergoing additional testing after a screening mammogram is known as a diagnostic mammogram. Most diagnostic mammograms conclude with normal results. However, if there is a persistent abnormality, a biopsy or follow up test in six months may be advised.

What should I expect?

Your screening mammogram will be performed by a certified mammography female technologist, under the direct supervision of a board-certified diagnostic radiologist. The exam will take less than 30 minutes. You are asked not to wear body powder or deodorant from the waist up as powders can mimic breast calcifications. Two-piece clothing is usually more comfortable and convenient. After you check in, you will be escorted to a private dressing room, where you will be asked to change into a gown that opens in the front. The technologist will ask you several questions, so she can provide the radiologist with information about any risk factors and/or any breast related problems you may be having.

Most often, two standard views will be taken of each breast. During each x-ray, the technologist will carefully position your breast so that all of the breast tissue is included in the images. The compression paddles secure the breast in place so that posterior tissue is visualized and the tissue is smoothed and stabilized. The compression will last only a few seconds. It should not be painful, but may be uncomfortable if your breasts are very sensitive, or you are having a problem with tenderness or swelling. To reduce tenderness, have a caffeine-free diet for several days before the exam. The compression will not harm your breast in any way and is important in obtaining a good image for evaluation. You must hold very still while the x-ray picture is taken to reduce the possibility of a blurred image. When the exam is complete, the technologist will determine that the images are of high enough quality for the radiologist to read, and she will escort you back to your dressing room.

When will I know the results?

A report will be sent to you and your physician. If you have had a previous mammogram at a facility other than Radiology Imaging Associates, please let us know so that we may obtain these films. It is extremely important for the radiologist to have your prior films for comparison, as it enhances the doctor's ability to detect a subtle change or small abnormality on your current mammogram. Availability of prior films also decreases the length of time it takes for you to get your results.

Our radiologists utilize Computer Aided Detection (CAD) to further review all screening mammograms. Studies show that the use of CAD may increase the detection rate of breast cancer. It works like a second pair of eyes in reviewing a patient's mammogram.

Which locations offer this service?

All of our locations offer digital mammography and CAD technology.

How do I make an appointment?

To make an appointment, you can reach our centralized scheduling staff by calling any RIA location and pressing “2” on your phone. Or you can request an appointment on line at (add our link). Screening mammograms do require a prescription from your doctor.