Mammography at Delnor is provided in the Center for
Breast Health. Both screening and diagnostic mammograms are done
digitally. This technology is available in only a small percentage of
hospitals. Digital mammography is similar to standard mammography in that
X-rays are used to produce detailed images of the breast. The difference
is that digital mammography is equipped with a digital receptor and generates
computerized images immediately rather than a film cassette which must be
developed into film.
Delnor's mammography services are fully accredited by the American College of
Radiology.
Screening Mammography
Screening mammography is a low-dose X-ray examination of the breasts.
It can often detect changes in the breast that are too small to be detected by
manual exam. A comprehensive breast cancer risk assessment is performed on
every women who receives a screening mammogram at the Center for Breast
Health. The American Cancer Society recommends that all women age 40 and
older receive a screening mammogram once a year.
When you have a mammogram, you will stand in front of a
special x-ray machine. This machine is dedicated to mammography only. The
mammographer will position each breast on a platform that holds the X-ray film.
The platform will be raised or lowered to match your height. The mammographer
will then gradually compress your breast between the platform and a specially
designed clear plastic paddle for a very short time. Most women experience only
minimal discomfort. It is best to relax as much as possible. If the compression
is too painful, you need to inform the mammographer.
If there is an area of concern with your results, the
radiologist or mammographer may examine your breasts, and additional views or an
ultrasound may be requested. This does not mean that you have something wrong
with your breasts. It simply means additional information is needed for the most
accurate results. The additional views and ultrasound may be done on the same
day as your mammogram, and there usually is no discomfort associated with the
ultrasound.
Diagnostic Mammography
Diagnostic mammography is an X-ray exam of the breasts that is performed in
order to evaluate a breast complaint or abnormality detected by physical exam or
routine screening mammography. Diagnostic mammography is different from
screening mammography in that additional views of the breast are usually taken,
as opposed to two views typically taken with screening mammography. Thus,
diagnostic mammography is usually more time consuming than screening
mammography. Your appointment for a diagnostic mammogram can be anywhere
from two to three hours.
In many cases, diagnostic mammography will help show that the abnormality is
likely to be benign (non-cancerous). When this occurs, the radiologist may
recommend that the woman return at a later date for a follow-up mammogram;
typically in six months. However, if an abnormality identified with diagnostic
mammography is suspicious, additional breast imaging (with exams such as
ultrasound) or a biopsy may be ordered.
Your mammography findings will be reviewed with you by a radiologist before
you leave.
R2 Image Checker
In additon to the radiologist's reading, every mammogram
performed at Delnor's Center for Breast Health is reviewed by the R2 Image
Checker Computer Aided
Detection System (CAD). This system acts as a second pair of eyes
for the radiologist and results in the detection of approximately 20 percent
more cases of breast cancer being diagnosed at an earlier, more treatable
stage.
Location
Delnor's Center for Breast Health is located in the 351 Medical Office
Building on the hospital campus.
Scheduling a Mammogram at Delnor
To schedule a mammogram, call Central Scheduling at (630)762-6400. A
physician order is NOT required for a screening mammogram; however diagnostic
mammograms can only be performed with a physician's order.
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