3D mammography uses x-rays to create an image of the inside of the breast
using a low dose of radiation. The breast tissue can be viewed from many
angles making it easier to see abnormalities within the breast.
Preparation
You may want to dress comfortably and wear a 2-piece outfit because you
will need to undress above the waist. You should not wear any type of
powders, deodorants, ointments, or creams when you come for your mammograms
because it can affect the quality of your pictures. You may want to avoid
scheduling your mammogram for the week before your period if your breasts
are usually tender during this time. The best time to have your mammogram
done is one week following your period.
Important things to tell your technologist:
If you have breast implants
If you have a personal history of breast cancer
If you have a family history of breast cancer
If you have any lumps, pain, nipple inversion, or dimpling of the breast
Where and when your last mammogram was done
If you are pregnant
Note: The imaging staff is trained to acquire images for a radiologist to review.
The radiologist is specially trained to look at x-ray studies and make
a diagnosis off of them. The imaging staff is not fully trained to do
so, therefore we will not be able to give you results at the time of your exam.
You do not need an order from your practitioner to schedule your yearly
screening mammogram. Call us at
833.662.2273 to schedule today! Remember to check with your insurance company on the
coverage of your mammograms.
If you are having any problems with your breasts, contact your healthcare
provider and they will instruct you if you need to schedule a special
mammogram.
After your mammogram is performed and the results are finalized, we will
mail you a letter directly to your home with those results in it. If there
is any concern with your mammogram pictures, we will call you directly
to give you those results and any further instructions.
Breast Cancer Information
Risk Factors:
Age — as we grow older, our risk for breast cancer increases.
Personal history of breast cancer or other cancers.
Family history of breast cancer — although important to note that
80-90% of breast cancers are diagnosed in women with no family history.
Menstrual period beginning at an early age — prior to age 12.
First pregnancy after age 30, or having no pregnancies at all.
Obesity and alcohol use may increase the risk of breast cancer.
Estrogen therapy — taking hormone therapy may increase the chance
of developing breast cancer. Birth control pills do not appear to increase
the risk of breast cancer.
How You Can Help Yourself:
Breast Self-Exam (BSE) — you should know how your breasts normally
feel. This will aid you in quickly detecting any changes in your breasts.
You should report any changes promptly to your healthcare provider.
Clinical Breast Exam—during your 20’s and 30’s you should
have a breast exam done about every three years by your healthcare provider.
After age 40, you should have this done every year.
Mammography—Between the ages of 35-39, you should have a baseline
mammogram. After age 40, you should have a mammogram every year. Mammograms
may be recommended at an earlier age if there is a strong family history
of breast cancer or other risk factors.
