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.

What is a 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.

Types of Mammograms

Mammograms are one of the most beneficial uses of imaging technology in medicine. Mammogram imaging comes in several types, based on the technology involved and whether the procedure is preventive or diagnostic in nature:

• 2D mammogram: A two-dimensional mammogram is an X-ray of the breast. It produces two images: top-down and side-to-side. 2D mammography is being improved with more accurate 3D imaging technology.
• 3D mammogram: Three-dimensional mammography deploys multiple X-rays to create images from a variety of perspectives, leading to a more detailed picture of the breast. 3D mammography is also called tomosynthesis.
• Digital mammogram: Digital mammography utilizes cutting-edge digital systems to produce clearer images of the breast than older analog applications. Baptist Health uses the R2 Image Checker® to enhance visual output.
• Screening mammogram: Screening mammograms are preventive procedures. Annual breast screenings enable the early detection of potential medical issues that might otherwise be asymptomatic.
• Diagnostic mammogram: Diagnostic mammograms investigate a possible medical condition once a symptom or symptoms have presented (for example, breast lumps, swelling, pain, or discoloration).
• Contrast-enhanced mammogram: Medical providers use contrast-enhancement agents to improve visual clarity within the organs. A dye is injected into the bloodstream to highlight blood vessels and other structures of the breast during an imaging procedure.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Magnetic resonance imaging is an alternative form of imaging technology to the X-ray. It is often used with women who have unusually dense breast tissue that complicates the imaging process.

What to Expect for Your First Mammogram Screening

During the mammogram 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 mammography 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.

Why Choose Baptist Health for Your Mammogram?

Baptist Health is a regional leader in women’s healthcare, which means that we’re also leaders in mammogram imaging. When choosing Baptist Health for a mammogram, you’re choosing our:

• Medical expertise and experience: Our longtime commitment to women’s health has led us to accumulate the medical knowledge, technical skill, and real-world experience that can increase positive outcomes for our patients. Medical and support staff are fully accredited in their specialties.
• Fully accredited facilities: Several Baptist Health breast clinics have been certified by the American College of Radiology as Breast Imaging Centers of Excellence.
• Advanced technology: Baptist Health utilizes cutting-edge medical technology to render safe and accurate imaging outcomes. Included are systems for 3D mammography, digital and contrast enhancement, magnetic resonance imaging, breast ultrasound, and stereotactic biopsy.
• Comprehensive testing process: Our facilities provide you with a comprehensive testing process in a single location, from preparation, imaging, and analysis to follow-up testing and procedures.
• Positive patient feedback: Our commitment to women’s health is a commitment to our patients. The result is the many positive testimonials we receive that let us know that we’re meeting our own high standards.

FAQ

Can I Get a Mammogram Without a Doctor Referral?

In many cases, yes. The need for women who are 40 years or older to undergo regular screenings has led to the creation of programs at imaging clinics, OB-GYN facilities, and employer-based health fairs that are accessible without referrals. A partial exception to this is diagnostic screenings, which are ordered by physicians when evaluating possible evidence for a medical condition (for example, a breast lump). Diagnostic screenings typically require a referral.

Does It Matter Where I Get My Mammogram Done?

Certainly. When dealing with a possible health issue, you want a medical provider with specialized training, professional experience, and the best diagnostic equipment currently available. For example, a medical facility with 3D-imaging technology is less likely to misdiagnose a potential condition than one that relies on older 2D technology.

At What Age Should a Woman Start to Get a Mammogram?

It is generally recommended that women between the ages of 40 and 75 years or older undergo an annual breast screening for cancer and other medical conditions. Women at higher risk for breast cancer – for example, someone with a family history of this condition – should consider starting regular screenings at any earlier age.