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.
