Mammography is a technique used to detect breast cancer. It involves taking
an x-ray of the breast from, generally, two directions. The breasts are slightly
compressed between two plates in order to separate the tissues for a more detailed
image. At St. Rita's, we offer two types of mammography at the Women's Wellness
Center:
Analog mammography involves using standard mammography equipment and places
the images onto x-ray film. This film will then need to be developed in the
darkroom.
Digital mammography is very similar to analog mammography; however, there
is no film to develop. The image is captured immediately and sent to a computer,
then displayed on a monitor. Therefore, the process is much quicker. Although
the quality of analog mammograms are about the same as digital mammograms,
there are certain exams that are visualized better using digital technology,
such as breasts with implants, very dense-fibrocystic breasts and post-radiated
breast tissue.
To prepare for a mammogram, it is necessary to remove any deodorant or powder
from the underarm or breast area. Many of these products contain metal particles
that can show up on the mammogram.
All mammograms are performed by specially trained female technologists, licensed
and certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. These technologists
will perform a correlative physical breast examination to make sure there are
no palpable abnormalities.
After your test is completed, your films will be read by a board certified
radiologist and analyzed by Computer-Aided Detection (CAD). This technology
serves as a second set of eyes for the radiologist and marks any suspicious
areas on the mammogram for the radiologist to review again. Research shows
that up to 24% more breast cancers are detected using CAD technology. You should
receive a letter regarding your results in 2-10 days following your exam. If
the radiologist recommends additional testing, one of our nurse care coordinators
will call you to schedule an additional appointment for you.
