Mammogram

Baptist Health provides several services for breast cancer screenings, including breast ultrasounds, mammogram screenings, and biopsies:

• Breast cancer screening mammogram for early assessment and identification of breast cancer.
• Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to identify smaller breast cancers.
• Breast ultrasound that uses sound waves to detect breast cancer.
• Stereotactic breast biopsy for diagnosing breast cancer without surgery.

Digital Screening Mammogram?

For mammogram screening, technicians use digital mammogram screening equipment. This equipment includes flexible paddles that measure breast thickness, examination tables, open MRI machines, and 3D technology for comprehensive and accurate screening and diagnosing. The best mammogram screening tools typically involve digital screening equipment for comfort, efficiency, and accuracy.

What to Expect for Your First Mammogram Screening

During the exam you will be asked to undress from the waist up and wear a hospital gown/paper gown for modesty before and after the screening. The machine will then be adjusted according to your height. A paddle comes down and compresses the breast with an average of 15-30 lbs. of pressure. While this is the most uncomfortable part, which most people speak of when they reference a mammogram, the compression is necessary to get a good image of all the breast tissue and to make sure there are no folds or wrinkles in the image. The screening lasts just a couple minutes so any discomfort from compression will only be felt for a short time.

Other benefits of digital mammography include:

• flexible paddles that sense breast thickness for more comfortable compression, reduced radiation exposure
• fewer false positives
• sharper images, which can be computer-enhanced for viewing, leading to a better diagnosis and fewer return visits for further examinations

How soon will I get my Mammogram results?

As soon as your mammogram is complete a radiologist will review the images and send any notes and images to your physician. The physician will be notified of the results the very same day and will review the results with you at your next appointment.