Women's Center
BAPTIST HEALTH Breast Center
Mammography
Screening Mammography is a specialized x-ray of your breast designed
to find early breast cancers. During the exam, the technologist will image your
breasts in different positions and with some compression. The compression may
be slightly uncomfortable, but should not be painful. It lasts for only a few
seconds. Compressing the breast evens out the breast tissue, enabling the image
to show very subtle abnormalities. Compression also decreases the radiation
dose to the breast.
A screening mammogram
is recommended for all women 40 years and older. You may schedule your own screening
mammogram. No physician's order is required. It will take 20-30 minutes. A screening
mammogram is read by the radiologist after you leave the center.
Diagnostic Mammography
is ordered by a physician for women with a breast mass or other signs and systems
of breast disease. The radiologist will read your mammogram and give you the
results before you leave the center. A diagnostic mammogram may take up to 1
½ hours.
Procedure and Preparation:
-
If your mammograms have been uncomfortable in the past, you may want to schedule
for the week after your period, when the breasts are least sensitive.
- If your previous
mammogram was performed at another facility, please be sure to bring it with
you or have it sent to use for comparison.
- On the morning
of your exam, wash your breasts and underarms. Do not use deodorant, powder or
perfume, as this may have an appearance similar to calcification. Wear a comfortable
two-piece outfit. If you may be pregnant; have breast implants, scars or moles;
are breastfeeding, and/or a history of surgery or biopsy on your breasts, please
inform the technologist before your exam.
Post Exam Instructions and Results Turnaround Time:
-
After the exam, you can return to normal daily activities. A typed report of
your mammogram results should arrive at your physician's office within three
working days. (If your physician's office is not located near BAPTIST HEALTH,
the report should arrive within seven days).
- In addition, you
will receive a letter from us explaining the results of your mammogram in seven
to ten working days. If you have not received a letter within ten working days,
please call BAPTIST HEALTH Breast Center at (501) 202-1155.