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Mammography

Mammography is a medical test that uses special X-ray images to detect abnormal growths or changes in breast tissue.

Why is Mammography Necessary?

A mammogram can provide base information that will allow your doctor to make a comparison at a later date.

As part of a regular physical examination, a mammogram can be used as a screening tool to detect breast cancer in its early stages, before it can be found through a physician examination.

If there is a change in your breasts, a mammogram can help your physician determine if additional testing is required.

Does a Regular Mammogram Replace Self-Exams?

No. Mammograms cannot detect all breast cancers, especially if you are young and have dense breast tissue. You should begin performing self-examinations monthly beginning at age 20. In addition, your healthcare provider should do breast exams every three years beginning at age 20, and every year once you turn 40.

How Often Should I Have a Mammogram?

In general, you should have a baseline mammogram between ages 35 and 40, and a screening mammogram every year after age 40. Ask your physician for specific information.

If you are at a greater risk for breast cancer, your doctor might recommend an alternate schedule. Risk factors include:

• A personal history of breast cancer
• An immediate family member developed breast cancer before age 50 or after menopause
• A prior breast biopsy with pre-cancerous changes
• Over the age of 50

What Can I Expect?

Qualified technologists perform mammography.

The technologist will ask you to remove all clothing above the waist and will give you a hospital gown to wear. The technologist will ask you to stand (if you are unable to stand, you may sit) in front of an X-ray machine and will place your breast between two radiographic breast supports. The supports will be pressed together, gently flattening your breast to provide the clearest picture possible with the least radiation dose.

You may feel some discomfort, but it will only last for a few seconds. If you feel there is too much pressure, tell the technologist.

The technologist will normally take two images of each of your breasts, one from the top and one from the side. Additional views might be needed. You can expect the exam to last 15-20 minutes.

What Do I Need To Tell My Healthcare Provider?

If you are pregnant, or suspect you might be, tell your doctor immediately
Make sure your doctor is aware of any medications you are taking

How Do I Prepare?

You might want to schedule your exam seven to 10 days after the beginning of your period, when your breasts are less likely to be tender
Do not wear body powder, cream, deodorant or lotion on your chest
Eat and drink as usual
Take your medications as usual unless otherwise directed by your physician
Dress comfortably. Consider wearing a two-piece outfit. Avoid clothing with metal buttons, buckles or zippers
Avoid wearing jewelry

History Sheet (pdf). This form is in pdf format and needs Adobe Acrobat Reader to open, if you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader you can download it here:

How Do I Get The Results?

A radiologist will evaluate your X-ray films and send your exam results to your physician, who will discuss them with you. You'll be notified if there is any cause for concern. Remember, most lumps are not cancerous. If there is an abnormality, your doctor will discuss additional diagnostic options with you.

If you have any questions or comments about your mammogram at any time, please talk to your physician or inform the mammography staff. We want to make you as comfortable with the exam as possible.

Patient Rights
As a patient you have the right to:

• Considerate and respectful care
• Obtain from your physician complete current information concerning your diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis in terms you can undrestand
• Receive from your physician information necessary to give informed consent prior to the start of any procedure and/or treatment
• Refuse treatment
• Appropriate assessment and management of pain
• Every consideration of your privacy concerning your own medical care program
• Expect that all communications and records pertaining to your care are treated as confidential
• Safe and secure treatment within our facilities
• Obtain infrormation as to any relationship of htis facility with any other healthcare and educational insitiution insofar as your care is concerned
• Expect reasonable continuity of care
• Examine and receive an explanation of your bill regardless of the source of payment
• Expect a speedy response and resloution to any complaints
• Know that the reules and regulations of the healthcare facility apply to your conduct as a patient in the DMS Imaging scanning facilities

Patient Responsibilities

• Providing information. The patient is responsible for providing, to the best of his or her knowledge, accurate and complete information about present complaints, past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications, and other matters relating to his or her health. The patient and family are responsible for reporting unexpected changes in the patient's condition. The patient and family help the organization improve its understanding of the patient's environment by providing feedback about service needs and experiences.
• Asking questions. The patient is responsible for asking questions when they do not understand what they have been told about their care or what they are expected to do.
  Following instructions. The patient and family are responsible for following the care, service, or treatment plan developed. They should express any concerns they have about their ability to follow and comply with the proposed care plan or course of treatment. Every effort is made to adapt the plan to the patient's specific needs and limitations. When such adaptations to the treatment plan are not recommended, the patient and family are responsible for understanding the consequences of the treatment alternatives and not following the proposed course.
• Accepting consequences. The patient and family are responsible for following the organization's rules and regulations concerning patient care and conduct.
• Showing respect and consideration. Patients and families are responsible for being considerate of the organization's personnel and property.
• Meeting financial commitments. The patient and family are responsible for promptly meeting any financial obligation agreed to with the organization.

This infomation was provided by DMS Imaging, An Company