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Meet Liz
Like many women, she has yearly mammograms. Only Liz has hers recorded and broadcasted live over the radio. As a talk show host who reaches thousands of listeners in Charlotte, Liz believes the best way for women to overcome their fear of scheduling a mammogram is to let them hear one happening—a unique approach that puts even more women in tune with their body.
What is Screening Mammography?
Screening mammography is a low-dose x-ray exam of the breasts. If performed annually as recommended, it is the key to detecting breast cancer early and saving lives. Women 40 years of age and older with no symptoms of breast disease, should schedule their screening mammogram appointments annually. If you are experiencing a worrisome lump, changes in the breast skin, nipple discharge, or if you have a personal history of breast cancer, your physician should order a more comprehensive exam, called a diagnostic mammogram.
Charlotte Radiology is committed to providing our patients with the best mammography options available. We are proud to be the first in the area to offer digital mammography, the latest technology in breast cancer detection. A digital mammogram is exactly the same as a traditional mammogram from the patient's perspective. Exam time may be a bit shorter, but the main benefit is the radiologists' ability to manipulate and enhance the image, much like a digital photo. Additionally, digital mammography delivers lower radiation doses. For more information, read the following article.
Most importantly, studies have shown that digital mammography is more accurate for women under 50 years of age, pre-menopausal women, and all women with dense breast tissue. Digital mammography is beneficial in these groups of women with dense breast tissue because the tissue appears white on a mammogram. As many breast abnormalities are also white, dense tissue can obscure small lesions. Digital mammography enables our radiologists to better visualize areas of concern on a background of dense tissue. Because of this benefit, digital mammography decreases the chances that a patient with dense tissue may be called back in for additional images.
Mammograms require breast compression, which may cause some discomfort for a brief time during each x-ray, but it should not be painful. Breast compression helps obtain better x-rays by:
For more information on this and other radiology procedures, please visit www.radiologyinfo.org.
Meet our Mammography team. or download the Breast Health Brochure.
Charlotte Radiology is committed to providing our patients with the best mammography options available. We are proud to be the first in the area to offer digital mammography, the latest technology in breast cancer detection. A digital mammogram is exactly the same as a traditional mammogram from the patient's perspective. Exam time may be a bit shorter, but the main benefit is the radiologists' ability to manipulate and enhance the image, much like a digital photo. Additionally, digital mammography delivers lower radiation doses. For more information, read the following article.
Most importantly, studies have shown that digital mammography is more accurate for women under 50 years of age, pre-menopausal women, and all women with dense breast tissue. Digital mammography is beneficial in these groups of women with dense breast tissue because the tissue appears white on a mammogram. As many breast abnormalities are also white, dense tissue can obscure small lesions. Digital mammography enables our radiologists to better visualize areas of concern on a background of dense tissue. Because of this benefit, digital mammography decreases the chances that a patient with dense tissue may be called back in for additional images.
Mammograms require breast compression, which may cause some discomfort for a brief time during each x-ray, but it should not be painful. Breast compression helps obtain better x-rays by:
- Flattening the breast so that the maximum amount of tissue can be examined
- Allowing a lower x-ray dose to be used
- Holding the breast in place to prevent blurring caused by motion.
For more information on this and other radiology procedures, please visit www.radiologyinfo.org.
Meet our Mammography team. or download the Breast Health Brochure.
What are the benefits and risks?
Screening mammography can detect all types of breast cancer, including invasive ductal and invasive lobular cancer. It is also the only proven method to reliably detect small mineral deposits in the breast, microcalicifications, which may indicate an early form of breast cancer called ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). When breast cancers of all kinds are detected early, more treatment options are available.
It is important to note that five to15 percent of screening mammograms will be found to require additional testing—this percentage is slightly higher for women 40-49 years of age. This appointment may include specialized mammographic views or breast ultrasound. If this is the case, a member of our staff will contact you personally to discuss the recommended next step. The process of undergoing additional testing after a screening mammogram is known as a diagnostic mammogram. Most diagnostic mammograms conclude with normal results. However, if there is a persistent abnormality, a biopsy or follow up test in six months may be advised.
It is important to note that five to15 percent of screening mammograms will be found to require additional testing—this percentage is slightly higher for women 40-49 years of age. This appointment may include specialized mammographic views or breast ultrasound. If this is the case, a member of our staff will contact you personally to discuss the recommended next step. The process of undergoing additional testing after a screening mammogram is known as a diagnostic mammogram. Most diagnostic mammograms conclude with normal results. However, if there is a persistent abnormality, a biopsy or follow up test in six months may be advised.
What should I expect?
Your mammogram will be performed by a mammography certified female technologist, under the supervision of a radiologist. The exam will take less than 30 minutes. You are asked not to wear body powder or deodorant. Two-piece clothing is more convenient. After you check in, you will be escorted to a private dressing room, where you will be asked to undress from the waist up. You will be given a gown that opens in the front. The technologist will ask you several questions, so she can better understand your history and/or any problems you may be having.
Most often, multiple views will be taken of your breasts. During each x-ray, the technologist will carefully position your breast so that it fits firmly between the plastic compression paddles on the mammogram unit. This will last only a few seconds. It should not be painful, but may be uncomfortable if your breasts are very sensitive, or you are having a problem with tenderness or swelling. To reduce tenderness, have a caffeine-free diet for several days before the exam. The compression will not harm your breast in any way and is important in obtaining a good image for evaluation. You must hold very still while the x-ray picture is taken to reduce the possibility of a blurred image. When the exam is complete, the technologist will determine that the images are of high enough quality for the radiologist to read, and she will escort you back to your dressing room.
Most often, multiple views will be taken of your breasts. During each x-ray, the technologist will carefully position your breast so that it fits firmly between the plastic compression paddles on the mammogram unit. This will last only a few seconds. It should not be painful, but may be uncomfortable if your breasts are very sensitive, or you are having a problem with tenderness or swelling. To reduce tenderness, have a caffeine-free diet for several days before the exam. The compression will not harm your breast in any way and is important in obtaining a good image for evaluation. You must hold very still while the x-ray picture is taken to reduce the possibility of a blurred image. When the exam is complete, the technologist will determine that the images are of high enough quality for the radiologist to read, and she will escort you back to your dressing room.
When will I receive results?
A written results report will be sent to you and your physician in one to two weeks. If you have had a previous mammogram at a facility other than Charlotte Radiology, please let us know so that we may obtain these films. It is extremely important for the radiologist to have your prior films for comparison, as it enhances the doctor's ability to detect a subtle change or small abnormality on your current mammogram. Availability of prior films also decreases the length of time it takes for you to get your results.
Our radiologists utilize Computer Aided Detection (CAD) to further review all screening mammograms. Studies show that the use of CAD may increase the detection rate of breast cancer. It works like a second pair of eyes, reviewing a patient's mammogram after the radiologist makes the initial interpretation.
Our radiologists utilize Computer Aided Detection (CAD) to further review all screening mammograms. Studies show that the use of CAD may increase the detection rate of breast cancer. It works like a second pair of eyes, reviewing a patient's mammogram after the radiologist makes the initial interpretation.
Which locations offer this service?
All of our locations offer digital mammography, the latest technology in breast cancer detection.
How do I make an appointment?
If you'd like to make an appointment at any of the above locations, click here or call 704-367-2232 or 877-362-2232. You do not need a referral from your primary care physician for a screening mammogram. However, we do require that you provide a physician's name, so that we may send a copy of your results.
