Appointments
352.365.0777
In This Section
Mammography
What is Mammography?
Mammography, also known as a mammogram, is the examination of the breast using x-rays. Mammography is considered the most effective tool for early breast tumor detection. Most medical experts agree that successful treatment of breast cancer often is linked to early diagnosis. Mammography plays a central part in early detection of breast cancers because it can show changes in the breast up to two years before a patient or physician can feel them.
What are the advantages of digital CAD (computer-aided detection) in mammography?
Studies show that the use of CAD could result in earlier detection of up to 23% of cancers currently detected with screening mammography. The CAD system is designed to assist him or her in reducing the number of false negatives. The CAD system digitizes a mammogram and analyzes it using software, which highlights areas of the mammogram that contain features associated with cancer. It will identify areas that may warrant a second review, ensuring that you receive the highest quality screening.
How often should I have a mammogram?
Current guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the American Cancer Society (ACS), the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American College of Radiology (ACR) recommend screening mammography every year for women, beginning at age 40.
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) recommends that women who have had breast cancer and those who are at increased risk due to a genetic history of breast cancer should seek expert medical advice about whether they should begin screening before age 40 and about the frequency of screening.
When should I schedule my mammogram?
Before scheduling a mammogram, you should discuss problems in your breasts with your doctor. In addition, inform your doctor of hormone use, any prior surgeries, and family or personal history of breast cancer. Generally, the best time is one week following your period. Do not schedule your mammogram for the week before your period if your breasts are usually tender during this time. Always inform your x-ray technologist if there is any possibility that you are pregnant.
Lake Medical Imaging & Vascular Institute at The Villages now offers mammography appointments on evenings and Saturdays at our location in the Sharon Morse Medical Center.
How should I prepare for a mammogram?
If your most recent prior mammogram was performed elsewhere, you will need to obtain those films and reports prior to your exam to have available for consultation.
On the day of the exam:
- Do not wear lotion, deodorant, or powder under your arms or on your breasts
- Describe any problems you’re experiencing with your breasts with your technologist
- Remove all jewelry and clothing from the waist up. You will be given a gown that opens in the front.
What can I expect during the procedure?
To image your breast, a x-ray technician will position you near the machine and your breast will be placed on a platform and compressed with a paddle. Breast compression is necessary in order to:
- Even out the breast thickness - so that all of the tissue can be visualized.
- Spread out the tissue - so that small abnormalities won't be obscured.
- Allow use of a lower x-ray dose.
- Hold the breast still - to eliminate blurring of the image caused by motion.
- Reduce x-ray scatter - to increase picture sharpness.
The technologist will go behind a glass shield while making the x-ray exposure. You will be asked to change positions slightly between views. The process is repeated for the other breast. Routine views are a top-to-bottom and side view.
What will I experience during the procedure?
The exam takes about a half an hour. The technologist will apply compression on your breast and, as a result, you will feel pressure on the breast as it is squeezed by the compressor. Some women with sensitive breasts may experience some minor discomfort. Be sure to inform the technologist if pain occurs as compression is increased. If discomfort is significant, less compression will be used.
For more information on this topic, please visit www.Radiologyinfo.org.