Delta Regional Medical Center

Digital Mammography

Diagnostics Center > Mammography

What is a mammogram?

A mammogram is an x-ray examination of the breasts, used to detect and diagnose breast diseases.  Screening mammography is used as a preventive measure for women who have no symptoms of breast disease.

A screening mammogram usually involves two views of each breast.  Diagnostic mammography involves additional views of the breast, and is used when an abnormailty is found during screening, or women who have complaints, such as a breast mass, nipple discharge, breast pain, or skin irritation.

Mammography is a very safe procedure that uses low doses of radiation to produce high qulaity x-rays.

How is a Digital Mammogram Performed?

• You will need to undress above the waist in one of our newly remodeled digital mammography suites, and will be given a pink gown to wear during the mammogram.
• You and a breast imaging technologist  will be the only ones present during the mammogram.  The technologist will position each breast, one at a time, on the mammography equipment.  The breast will then be compressed, and the x-ray will be taken.
• During a digital mammogram, each x-ray will appear on the technologist's computer screen, and she will be able to make sure each image shows the right view before positioning you for the next x-ray. The entire process (getting undressed, mammogram, and getting dressed) should take about 30 minutes.

Why Should I Get a Mammogram?

Mammography is your best defense against breast cancer because it can detect the disease in its early stages. It will show lumps that are too small to be felt during a physical exam.  Remember, most breast lumps are not cancer. In many cases, it is normal for breasts to have lumps or feel tender. But if cancer does occur, mammography can improve your chances of a full recovery.

Why Digital Mammography?

•  Digital Mammography is 28% greater in the detection of breast cancer in woman who have dense breast tissue or are under 50 years of age.
• The radiologist reviews electronic images of the breast, using special high resolution monitors. The physician can adjust the brightness, change contrast, and zoom in for close ups of specific areas.
• It can greatly reduce the need for retakes due to over or under exposure.

How Often Should I Have a Mammogram?

The American Cancer Society recommends:

• That all women have a baseline screening mammogram between the age of 35 and 40.

• That beginning at the age of 40, women have an annual screening mammogram.  

 In addition to annual screening mammogram for women 40 and older, women with certain risk factors should discuss an appropriate screening program with their physician.  If you think you need a mammogram, do not wait for your yearly physical. Contact your health care provider right away.

How Should I Prepare for a Mammogram?

• If performed at another facility, obtain prior mammograms for the radiologist to make comparisons between the two exams.                                                      
• If you are pregnant, or think you are pregnant, tell your health care provider.
• Avoid wearing deodorant, talcum powder, or lotion/cream under your arms or on your breasts the day of the exams. These products could interfere with the quality of your mammogram.

 Is a mammogram painful?

Breast compression may cause some discomfort for a brief time during each x-ray, but it should not be painful.  Breast compression helps obtain better images by:

• Spreading out the breast so the maxium amount of tissue can be examined.
• Allowing a lower x-ray dose to be used, since the x-ray beams pass through a thinner amount of tissue.
• Holding the breast in place to prevent blurring caused by motion.

If you have sensitive breasts, schedule your mammogram at a time of the month when your breasts will be less tender.  In general, the week after your period is when breasts are less tender. 

How will I get my results?

Your mammogram will be read by a radiologist.  The radiologist will send a report to your physician and your physician will notify you of the results.