Digital Mammography
At PMIC we are proud to be a Softer Mammogram Provider®. All of our
mammogram patients are offered the MammoPad®,
which makes the mammogram more warm and comfortable for most patients.
Breast Cancer will affect an average of one in eight women sometime in
their lifetime. It is the second most common cause of cancer related deaths
in women, second only to lung cancer. Numerous studies prove that early
detection is a vital component in the successful treatment of breast cancer.
What is Full Field Digital Mammography?
Digital Mammography uses computers and specially designed digital detectors
to produce an image that can be displayed on a high-resolution computer
monitor and transmitted and stored just like a computer file. The key
role of mammography is in identifying a site of breast cancer early in
its development when it is very small and often a year or two before it
is large enough to be felt as a lump. These small cancers have a much
better response to treatment and often require much less surgical or drug
treatment. Mammography detects approximately 2-3 times as many "early"
breast cancers as physical examination, and is the best method for screening
for breast cancer.
Mammography is currently the best screening examination for breast cancer.
Approximately 10% of palpable breast lumps that may be malignant are not
detected mammographically. In those cases, breast self-examination, in
addition to examination by your doctor, is important for early detection
of breast cancer.
You Have Options? What Is CAD?
Computer-aided detection (CAD) is a recent advance in mammography which
helps the Radiologist identify abnormalities within the breast. CAD technology
reviews digitized mammograms and marks areas of suspected abnormalities.
When using a CAD system, the Radiologist always makes the final interpretation
of the mammogram. CAD improves the rate of detection of small abnormalities
of the breast, increasing the chances of successful treatment. Interpretation
with CAD is similar to having a mammogram read by two Radiologists.
What Should I Expect?
A typical mammogram consists of two views of each breast in which they
are pressed firmly between two plates. Women with implants require four
additional views to visualize tissue - using the Ecklund Technique (implants
are pushed back and breast tissue is pulled forward).
The complete procedure takes only a few minutes, performed by a trained
technologist under the supervision of a qualified Radiologist. He or she
will analyze the images, looking for specific abnormalities or changes
related to cancer. A written report will then be sent to your doctor.
On occasion, the doctor may order additional views or other techniques
such as ultrasound or MRI.
How Should I Prepare?
When preparing for the exam please do not wear deodorant or talcum powder
on the day of the exam.
How Do I Get the Results?
After your study is over, the images will be evaluated by one of our board-certified
radiologists, with expertise in breast imaging. A final report will be
sent to your doctor who can then discuss the results with you in detail.
For more information please visit
www.Radiologyinfo.org