Breast Health Services
 

Screening Mammogram:

Your screening mammogram is one of the best ways to take charge of your own health. Our lives can be busy and we often put others' health in front of our own. Screening mammograms are effective because they oftentimes can detect cancer much earlier than human touch.

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We recommend YEARLY screening mammograms

starting at age 40!

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You will not need a doctor’s referral for a baseline or routine screening mammogram unless you are utilizing Medicare insurance. If you have any of the following symptoms, please contact your primary care provider immediately as you will require a diagnostic mammogram:

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• a new breast lump

• breast pain

• unusual skin appearance

• nipple thickening or nipple discharge

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Your screening mammogram images will be interpreted by a radiologist within a few days. You will receive your results by mail or a phone call and they will also be sent to your referring provider. At this time you will know if your mammogram is clear or if you should return for follow-up testing, also known as a diagnostic mammogram.

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A follow-up from your mammogram doesn't automatically mean cancer. About 10% of women are called back for more tests and fewer than 1 in 10 of those women end up with a cancer diagnosis. In fact, the average mammogram patient will be called back 3-4 times in their lifetime.

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We understand you may be anxious if you're called back after your mammogram. Know that we'll do everything we can to support you, answer your questions and help put your mind at ease!

Breast MRI:

Breast MRI is utilized as a supplemental tool to screen for breast cancer. It does not use ionizing radiation. We recommend utilizing Breast MRI six months after your routine screening mammogram; however, a breast MRI can be performed the same day as your screening mammogram if requested at the time of scheduling. 

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Breast MRI is our standard of care supplemental exam for patients with:

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• Dense Breast Tissue

• Strong Family History of Breast Cancer

• BRCA-1 Positive

• Patients with HBOC Syndrome  

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It's also the best test for determining whether silicone implants have ruptured.

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Self-Pay cost of a Breast MRI is $450.00. Click here for our self-pay menu.

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Diagnostic Mammogram:

A diagnostic mammogram is required when an abnormality was found on your screening mammogram (a callback), or if you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above. Callbacks happen for various reasons. You may have dense breast tissue or your radiologists may see an area that appear abnormal, looks different than your previous mammogram(s), or they may find a cyst, calcification, or mass.

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The experience of a diagnostic mammogram is similar to a screening mammogram. Your technologist will use a smaller paddle to concentrate on getting additional images of your breast from different angles. You may notice your appointment time is scheduled for a longer duration of time as the radiologist will read these images right away and decide if they would like further follow-up imaging utilizing breast ultrasound.

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*If you are under the age of 30 and can feel a palpable lump or are experiencing breast concerns, you will be scheduled for a breast ultrasound and we will proceed with a diagnostic mammogram if needed.

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*If you are over the age of 30 and can feel a palpable lump or are experiencing breast concerns, you will be scheduled for a diagnostic mammogram and we will proceed with a breast ultrasound if needed.

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Breast Ultrasound:

A breast ultrasound uses sound waves to determine if a mass is a fluid-filled cyst or a solid lump. It can show all areas of your breast, including tissue closest to your chest wall or deep into your axilla, and area difficult to image with mammography. It's non-invasive, painless, and doesn't expose you to radiation. 

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For this exam you will lay on an exam bed as the sonographer moves a handheld device called a transducer across the breast tissue to view any areas of concern.

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What Happens Next?

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After the additional diagnostic exam(s), your radiologist will speak with you and explain the results and next steps. Most likely being on of the following:

1. The suspicious area is benign (not cancerous). You can return to having annual mammograms.

2. You'll need your next mammogram sooner than routine, usually three to six months, to monitor the area.

3. You require a biopsy to rule out what the area of concern is. A biopsy is the only way to provide if the tissue is benign or malignant (cancerous).

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How to Prepare for a Mammogram

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• Do not use deodorant, powder or lotion under your arms or in the breast region of your body before your mammogram. 

• You will be asked to remove all clothing from the waist up. We recommend wearing something easy to remove and comfortable. You will not have to take off your bottoms, shoes, or socks.