Diagnostic Mammography

Similar in technique to screening mammography, diagnostic mammography is used to diagnose breast disease in women experiencing symptoms such as nipple discharge, pain, or a lump. Also, a diagnostic mammogram is performed if the radiologist asks you to return shortly after a screening mammogram for additional images of one or both of your breasts. These additional mammogram images may employ a special magnification paddle, a small spot compression paddle, or different breast positioning techniques.

Sometimes, the radiologist will want an ultrasound of the breast. This provides supplemental information, but is not a substitute for mammography. Breast ultrasound is usually painless and involves the technologist running a probe over the skin of the breast, with the aid of warm gel, in order to create an image of the breast tissue.

The radiologist will look at the images before you leave the department and you will be notified whether to return for a screening mammogram, return for a short-term follow up exam, or be counseled for a breast biopsy.

What to expect with your procedure

Mammography is performed on an outpatient basis. All HVR breast imaging sites now utilize digital mammography.

During digital mammography, a specially qualified radiologic technologist will position your breast in the mammography unit. Your breast will be placed on a special platform and compressed with a plastic paddle. The technologist will carefully compress your breast, but some women find this to be uncomfortable.

Breast compression is necessary in order to:

· Even out the breast thickness so that all of the tissue can be visualized.

· Spread out the tissue so that small abnormalities won't be obscured by overlying breast tissue.

· Allow the use of a lower x-ray dose since a thinner amount of breast tissue is being imaged.

· Hold the breast still in order to eliminate blurring of the image caused by motion.

· Reduce x-ray scatter to increase sharpness of picture.

 

The technologist will stand behind a glass shield during the x-ray exposure. You will be asked to keep very still and hold your breath for a few seconds while the x-ray picture is taken to reduce the possibility of a blurred image. The routine views are a top-to-bottom view and an oblique side view. The process will be repeated for the other breast.

When the examination is complete, the patient will be asked to wait until the technologist determines that the images are of high enough quality for the radiologist to read. The radiologist will interpret the mammogram and issue a report within a few days.

The examination process should take about 30 minutes.

Preparing for your procedure

Do not schedule your mammogram for the week before your period if your breasts are usually tender during this time. The best time for a mammogram is one week following your period. Always inform your doctor or x-ray technologist if there is any possibility that you are pregnant.

The ACS also recommends you:
* Do not wear deodorant, talcum powder or lotion under your arms or on your breasts on the day of the exam. These can appear on the mammogram as calcium spots.
* Describe any breast symptoms or problems to the technologist performing the exam.
* If possible, obtain prior mammograms and make them available to the radiologist at the time of the current exam.
* Ask when your results will be available; do not assume the results are normal if you do not hear from your doctor or the mammography facility.