Soft Mammography
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Screening Mammograms
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Diagnostic Mammograms
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Stereotactic Biopsy Procedures
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Needle Localization Procedures
The Hospital and the AOIC mammography departments are accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR). This organization is comprised of a panel of experts who perform a peer review every three years to ensure that the imaging is safe, effective, and meets all standards for the equipment, technologists, and radiologists.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Mammogram?
A mammogram is a safe, low dose x-ray procedure that is used to screen healthy women for signs of breast cancer. It is also used to evaluate women with symptoms of breast disease, such as a lump, nipple discharge, breast pain, dimpling of the skin on the breast, or retraction of the nipple. Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early when any abnormality may be in its smallest and most treatable stage.
Who Should Have a Mammogram?
The American Cancer Society recommends that every woman should have yearly mammograms starting at age 40. Your healthcare provider can help you determine when you should begin, and how often you should have a mammogram based upon specific medical facts in your family history.
How is the Exam Done?
To have a mammogram performed, you must get an order or prescription from your doctor. The doctor’s office or you may schedule the date and time of your test. At the time the appointment is scheduled, be sure to clarify where your appointment is – at the Hospital or at the Armstrong Outpatient Imaging Center (AOIC). When you arrive for your appointment, you will be shown to a private dressing room and asked to undress from the waist up and put on a gown. The mammography technologist will take you into the exam room and ask you questions to obtain your medical history. The technologist will then ask you to step up to the machine where your breast is placed on an imaging plate covered with a soft mammo pad (this is a small cushion that is placed on the machine to improve patient comfort during the exam.). The breast is compressed for several seconds. It is very important to allow the technologist to compress as tightly as you can tolerate. The compression is what is needed to get the clearest possible x-ray image and to reduce your exposure to radiation. Two pictures are taken of each breast for a standard mammogram, but occasionally additional imaging will be needed. The entire exam should take approximately 30 min.
Where is the Exam Done?
There are two locations for obtaining mammograms. One is inside the Hospital on the first floor and the other is at the AOIC.
To schedule an appointment or for more information, please call 724-543-8131. You will be scheduled at either location through this phone number. Please be sure to determine the exact location of your exam (inside the Hospital or at the AOIC when the appointment is made).
What is the Difference Between a Screening and Diagnostic Mammogram?
A screening mammogram is an annual exam when you or your doctor have no special concerns or problems.
A diagnostic mammogram is done when your doctor has a special concern that they feel may require additional testing.
Your doctor determines if your exam is screening or diagnostic.
How Do I Prepare for My Mammogram?
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Limit caffeine for 5-7 days prior to the exam (this is for patient comfort)
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No deodorant during the exam (if applied in the morning, it must be wiped off prior to exam)
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Try to schedule exam 7-10 days after menstrual cycle (for patient comfort)
Why Do I Need to Be Compressed?
It is necessary to separate breast tissue and reduce the thickness of the breast. This allows for a lower dose of radiation and the clearest possible x-ray image. Compression is a very important part of this exam, but only lasts several seconds for each picture!
Where do i go on the day of my exam?
If your exam is to be done in the hospital, all patients must stop and register in the main lobby. You will then be instructed to go to the radiology waiting room.
If your exam is to be done at the AOIC, you will go directly to the building at 87 Glade Drive.
How long will the exam take?
The entire appointment takes approximately 15-30 minutes for a screening mammogram. Possibly extra time will be required if you are having problems or you have any special needs.
how do i make an appointment?
Your physician will give you an order and either the doctor's office or you may call to schedule. Please be certain that whoever makes the call determines the location of the exam (in the hospital or at the AOIC). The number for appointment scheduling is 724-543-8131.
what are the scheduling hours?
Appointments for screening mammography exams are available 7:30 am - 4:00 pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, with Wednesday hours from 7:30 am to 7:30 pm. There are appointment hours available two Saturdays a month between the hours of 7:00 am and 3:00 pm.
Diagnostic appointment times may vary because these exams must be performed with a radiologist present.
When will i know my results?
The results of your screening exam will be sent to your doctor, and you will receive a letter in the mail within 7-10 days.
The results of a diagnostic mammogram will be discussed with you by the radiologist on the day of the exam.
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