• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
Charlotte Radiology Logo

Charlotte Radiology

Experts in Imaging. Experts in patient care.

  • Find a Location
  • Schedule an Appointment
  • Pay Your Bill
  • Call 704-442-4390
  • Breast Services
    • Overview
    • Procedures / Treatments
    • Physicians
    • Mobile Mammography
    • Schedule an Appointment
    • Find a Location
    • Breast Services Forms
  • Vein Services
    • Overview
    • Online Risk Assessment
    • Procedures / Treatments
    • Physicians
    • Schedule an Appointment
    • Find a Location
  • Vascular & Interventional Services
    • Overview
    • Procedures / Treatments
    • Physicians
    • Schedule an Appointment
    • Find a Location
  • Diagnostic Imaging Services
    • Overview
    • Procedures / Treatments
    • Physicians
    • Schedule an Appointment
    • Find a Location
  • Our Providers
  • About Us
    • News and Media
    • Blog
    • Patient Education
    • Contact Us
    • US Radiology
  • Careers
    • Physician Careers
    • Professional Careers

Back to procedures

Diagnostic Mammography

A 3D diagnostic mammogram may be ordered by your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms such as a worrisome lump, changes in the breast skin, or nipple discharge. Diagnostic mammography is also used to further evaluate possible concerns detected during a screening mammogram. It allows for a closer look and provides radiologists with additional information to determine whether breast tissue is benign (no cancer found) or potentially cancerous.

Charlotte Radiology offers the most advanced technologies and procedures to ensure  accurate diagnosis. In addition to 3D mammography, complementary diagnostic imaging and/or procedures may be needed including breast ultrasound, needle biopsy of the breast, lymph node biopsy, and cyst aspiration.

Icon Doctor   Doctor Referral Required

Schedule an Appointment

FAQ

Who needs a Diagnostic Mammogram?  Expand

Women experiencing breast symptoms such as a lump, change in breast skin or nipple discharge are candidates for diagnostic mammograms. Physicians will also order diagnostic mammograms for women who are called back after a screening mammogram to follow up on any areas of concern.

What should I expect? Expand

From the patient's experience, a diagnostic mammogram isn't all that different from a 3D screening mammogram, as it uses the same technology. A mammography-certified, female technologist will perform your mammogram and explain the procedure before getting started. Most appointments take less than 30 minutes, including meeting with the radiologist to discuss exam results and any further recommendations. After you check in, you will be shown to a private dressing room. You will undress from the waist up and put on a gown that opens in the front. During the appointment, the technologist will position each breast in the unit. Your breasts will be compressed in order to take images. This compression may cause some brief discomfort, but shouldn't be painful. Compressing or flattening the breast helps facilitate better X-rays so that the maximum amount of tissue can be examined while allowing for a lower X-ray dose. In certain cases, the radiologist may also need to perform a breast ultrasound during your appointment in order to further evaluate any areas of concern.

How do I prepare? Expand
  • To help minimize discomfort, schedule your mammogram during the two weeks following your menstrual cycle, when breasts are less tender.
  • Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time.
  • If you’ve had prior mammograms, breast ultrasounds or breast MRIs at a facility other than Charlotte Radiology, you will be asked to provide contact information for the center so we can obtain these records before your scheduled appointment. Having prior records helps our Radiologists to identify any changes over time. If you would like Charlotte Radiology to request these on your behalf, please fill out our medical records release form one month prior to your scheduled appointment (it can take up to three weeks to receive records from an out of state provider).
  • Please be ready to discuss medical history at your appointment, including prior surgeries, hormone use, and family or personal history of breast cancer.
  • Do not wear talcum powder, deodorant, lotion or perfume under your arms or on your breasts, as these substances can make mammographic images harder to read. Deodorant will be available after your exam.
  • Wear two-piece clothing so that you only have to remove your top and bra for the exam.
When will I get the results? Expand

After the radiologist has reviewed your diagnostic mammogram, he or she will discuss the results with you and explain any further recommendations before you leave the appointment. Your primary care physician will receive a report within 24-48 hours of your visit.

Which locations offer Diagnostic Mammogram? Expand
  • Huntersville Breast Center
  • Medical Center Plaza Breast Center
  • Monroe Breast Center
  • Morehead Medical Plaza (MMP) Breast Center
  • Pineville Breast Center
  • Rock Hill Breast Center
  • SouthPark Breast Center
  • University Breast Center
What about billing and/or insurance coverage? Expand

This procedure requires a physician referral. Please check with your insurance plan to confirm that the procedure is covered. You may be responsible for all or a portion of the bill.  Payment may be required at the time of service. Please call 980-233-5053 if you have questions about pricing, insurance coverage, and/or billing before your scheduled appointment.

Footer

Charlotte Radiology Logo

  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • YouTube

US Radiology

  • Our Providers
  • Find a Location
  • Schedule an Appointment
  • Pay Your Bill
  • Insurance Information
  • Breast Services
  • Vein Services
  • Vascular Interventional Services
  • Diagnostic Imaging Services
  • About Us
  • Referring Physicians
  • Careers
  • Contact Us
  • FAQ
  • COVID-19 Response

© 2023 Charlotte Radiology PA. All rights reserved.   Terms of Use  |  Social Media Terms of Use  |  Non-Discrimination  |  Platform Privacy Policy  |  US Radiology

Back to Top