What is Mammography?
Mammography is an x-ray examination of the breast. Mammography is the only proven method to reliably detect cancerous breast tumors. When cancers are small, women have more treatment options and a cure is more likely.

A mammography exam is a very low dose radiation x-ray of the breast. Two or three views or angles of each breast are obtained for review and evaluation by a Radiologist. A computer-aided detection (CAD) system is used in combination with mammography to detect breast cancer. Combining these two imaging methods improves the process of identifying very subtle changes in breast tissue when cancer is in its earliest stages.

What is Digital Mammography?

Digital mammography is another method of acquiring an x-ray and works much like creating a digital photograph. Like a digital photo, digital mammography allows radiologists to adjust and manipulate x-ray iimages more effectively in order to obtain a better view and to make a diagnosis. Conventional film mammography does not allow an image to be modified once the image is obtained. Digital mammography iis especially beneficial for certain subgroups of women with breast tissue that is very difficult to image. As for the exam itself, women who have had film mammography in the past will not notice any difference between the two methods.

• Both digital mammography and film mammography use compression to obtain a diagnostic image.  Compression minimizes motion and reduces the amount of radiation dose to the breast.

• Because images are created and stored in a computer instead of on sheets of x-ray film, these  images are less likely to become damaged or lose their sharpness and detail during long-term storage. Additionally, digital mammography images can be more easily shared and transmitted between physician offices. There are no films to lose or misplace.  

• Digital mammography does not replace traditional film-based mammography. If you have a film mammogram you are not receiving an inferior exam. Digital mammography has been approved by the FDA to be equivalent in quality to that of a film mammogram.

 What group of women will benefit most from Digital Mammography?

• Women with breasts that are dense (high in glandular and connective tissue)
• Are younger than 50
• Are pre-menopausal or peri-menopausal (had her last menstrual period within 12 months of a mammogram)

Computer Aided Detection (CAD)

Once the digital mammogram has been performed, the computer-generated images are transferred into a CAD system for analysis. The CAD system produces a report which highlights potential areas of concern. CAD is designed to improve the process of mammography screening by detecting very subtle changes in breast tissue that even the most trained eye might easily miss. The computer does not replace the radiologist who normally reads the mammogram; it provides a valuable second read that increases the chances of detecting breast cancer in its earliest stages.

Preparations prior to the exam

• Most women find it more convenient to wear a two-piece outfit on the day of their exam.

• Do not use powders, deodorants or lotions from the shoulder area to the waist. Digital mammography is extremely sensitive. Powders, deodorants or lotions could create an incorrect interpretation.   

• A digital mammography exam requires compressing the breast. This can cause moderate discomfort in some women. Most women find the exam to be less uncomfortable if they schedule their exam after their menstrual period.

• Bring copies of previous mammograms to your appointment, along with information regarding the location and phone number (if available) of your last mammogram.

• Always inform your doctor or x-ray technologist if there is any possibility you are pregnant.

How long will the exam take?
From start to finish, the typical exam takes about 15 minutes.

Who interprets the results and how do I get them?
A Radiologist (a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing disease and injury using medical imaging technology) will study the images and send a typed report of the findings to your health care provider. At the time of your mammogram interpretation, if additional imaging is necessary you will be contacted directly by an imaging center staff member. If no additional images are needed you will receive a letter from Radiology Group informing you of your results.

Will my insurance cover the exam?
It is not possible for our office to determine individual coverage. Coverage for imaging tests is variable and depends on your insurance carrier, your plan, any exclusions, and sometimes the reasons for the examination. Prior to undergoing any imaging test, please call the number on the back of your insurance card to determine if it will be covered.

Who do I call if I have questions?
Contact us at (563) 359-1131

Who do I call if I cannot keep my appointment?

Please call scheduling at (563) 359-3931 to cancel or reschedule.

Links
CAD "Second Look" flyer, (PDF)
Mammography patient brochure (PDF)
www.radiologyinfo.com
www.breastcancer.org
www.imaginis.com
www.icadmed.com
www.womenshealthresearch.org

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