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.