What is mammography?

Mammography, an x-ray of your breast, is the most accurate method of breast cancer detection. This test is used to screen for breast cancer as well as to determine the cause of breast complaints, such as lumps or nipple discharge. While this examination does use radiation, the exposure is minimal .

Who should have a mammogram?

The American Cancer Society recommends that all women have a baseline screening mammogram at approximately age 35 and yearly screening mammograms after age 40. Also, your doctor may order a mammogram to determine the cause of a change in the breast, such as a new or enlarging lump, or nipple discharge.

Is there any preparation before a mammogram?

You should avoid using deodorants or powders on the day of the examination. These products contain ingredients that can cause a false positive reading on your mammogram.

Notify your doctor and the mammography technologist if you are breast feeding or if there is any possibility that you are pregnant.

The technologist will ask you to remove your clothing from the waist up and put on a gown. You may be asked to remove certain types of jewelry if they will interfere with the examination.

If your prior mammogram was done elsewhere, please have those films sent to our facility so that we may compare them to your current examination.

What happens during the examination?

You will be asked to stand by the X-ray machine. The procedure will be explained to you.

The technologist will assist you to position your breast on an x-ray plate for each picture. You may be asked to lift your arm or use your hand to hold your other breast out of the way.

Once positioned, another x-ray plate will come down to the first, compressing and flattening the breast tissue. In general, the flatter the breast tissue is squeezed, the more accurate the picture. While this may be uncomfortable, it is the most important factor in obtaining the best possible pictures. As the picture is being taken, you will need to stay perfectly still and hold your breath. This limits motion, thereby preventing blurring of the picture. Usually, two pictures are taken of each breast. One is a top view, the other a side view.

What do I do after the procedure?

If you are having a routine annual screening mammogram (and have no current problems or breast complaints), after your pictures have been taken, the technologist will have you wait a few minutes while they are developed. Once the pictures have been developed, if they are of good quality, the technologist will release you and your films will be interpreted by a radiologist later in the day. It is possible that when the films are read, if there are any new findings, the radiologist may want to obtain more mammographic films and, possibly, an ultrasound of the breast. If this occurs, you will be called as soon as possible by our office to return for those additional pictures. If you are called back, don’t be alarmed. While new findings need to be investigated further, most findings are benign (not cancer).

If you are coming in for a diagnostic mammogram (to assess a breast complaint), or if you are returning for additional images at the radiologist’s request, the mammogram films will be interpreted by the radiologist before you leave our facility. In addition to the mammographic pictures obtained during your visit, the radiologist may want to perform a physical examination of your breasts. You will be notified of the results of a diagnostic mammogram before you leave our facility.

How will I know the results of my mammogram?

Once your mammogram has been read by the radiologist and a report sent to your doctor, a letter stating the results of your mammogram will be mailed to you. If you do not receive this letter within three weeks, you may call (609) 677-XRAY (9729) or (732) 223-XRAY (9729).

Who interprets my mammogram?

All mammograms performed by Atlantic Medical Imaging are interpreted by our own radiologists. Our radiologists are required to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field by completing periodic courses in mammography. In addition, AMI’s extensive Quality Assurance program evaluates the performance of each radiologist to ensure that only the appropriate cases are referred for further imaging or breast biopsy.

Breast Self Examination (BSE)

Performing routine breast self-examination is an important adjunct to annual screening mammography. BSE should be performed on a monthly basis by all women over 20 years of age. In women who are menstruating, the most appropriate time to perform BSE is immediately following the cessation of menses. For women who are post-menopausal or have had a hysterectomy, BSE should be performed on the same day of each month, for example, the fifteenth of each month.

1. In the shower or tub:

• Put one hand behind your head.
• With your fingers flat (do not use the fingertips), move your hand over the entire breast area.
• Use the right hand for the left breast, and vice versa.
• Examine the entire breast. You may work inward/outward in circles from the nipple region to the outer edge of the breasts, or examine each section of the breast in pie-shaped wedges.
• Check for lumps, knots or thickenings.

2. Before a mirror:

• With your hands at your sides, check for visible lumps or dimpling.
• Raise your arms above your head. Look for changes in the shape or size of your breasts as well as changes in the skin texture.

3. Lying down:

• Place a pillow or towel under your right shoulder and your right hand behind your head.
• Follow the same technique as in the shower. Remember to use the right hand for the left breast; left hand for right. Check for lumps, knots or thickenings.
• Examine every part of the breast area including the underarm. Repeat on the left.
• Lastly, gently squeeze the nipple of each breast, checking for any crust or discharge.