Digital mammography

Advantages

 Better images

• The superior contrast resolution of digital mammography and its ability to manipulate images results in more accurate detection of breast cancers. This is especially beneficial for women with dense breast tissue.
• Digital mammography results in three-dimensional breast images using relatively low radiation doses.

Improved patient care

• Digital mammograms are easily and efficiently archived, and exact copies can be easily made, which all but eliminates the chance of your mammogram being misplaced or damaged. Additionally, digital mammograms can be easily transmitted from one location to another, making it simple for us to retrieve your information at any of our imaging locations, or to share it with other medical professionals involved in your care.
• Digital mammography is well suited to computer-aided detection (CAD), which obtains a second, computerized reading to find more cancers and more accurately gauge signs of malignancy.

What to expect

At the Carol Hatton Breast Care Center, you'll find a warm, welcoming environment, with all-female staff and volunteers.

The procedure during a digital mammogram is the same as during a conventional mammogram, although the exam does not take as long. Digital mammography images can be taken in less than a minute.

Before your mammogram begins, you will be given a gown and asked to undress from the waist up and to remove any deodorant or powders on your skin. You will be standing during the exam.

When the exam begins, your breast will be placed on a padded shelf, and a compression paddle will slowly be lowered, essentially sandwiching your breast between the shelf and the paddle. The compression is necessary to make it easier to see irregularities in the tissue and to reduce blurring from movement. You may experience some discomfort due to the compression, but it should not be painful. We use a MammoPad^® cushion to make your exam more comfortable.

Once your breast is in place, the technician will step outside of the X-ray area and the exam will begin. You will be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds, and you may be asked to change position so that images can be taken from a different angle. The process will be repeated for your other breast.

How will I get my results?

Screening patients can expect to receive their results by mail within 7-10 days.  Diagnostic patients will receive their results from the radiologist at the time of their visit.  If you have a biopsy, you will receive those results within 24-48 hours.