Mammography

What is Mammography?

A mammogram is an x-ray examination of the breasts, used to detect and diagnose breast diseases. It is a very safe procedure that uses low doses of radiation to produce high-quality images.

SSR has upgraded all equipment and now only offers state-of-the-art digital mammography. In digital mammography, x-ray beams are captured on specially designed digital receptors, rather than on film. The digital receptor converts the x-ray beams into electronic signals, which are then sent to a computer. The radiologist reviews the digital mammogram on specially designed high-resolution computer monitors. Digital mammography is especially useful when imaging dense breasts.

There are two types of mammograms:

  • Screening mammography is used as a preventive measure for women who have no symptoms of breast disease or personal history of breast cancer. A screening mammogram usually involves two views of each breast.
  • Diagnostic mammography, or a problem solving mammogram, is used when an abnormality is found during a screening mammogram, or in women who have breast complaints, such as a breast mass, nipple discharge or focal breast pain. Diagnostic mammograms are Radiologist-directed exams and may involve additional views of the breast.

Patient Preparation

  • Do not wear deodorant, powder or cream on your breasts or underarms the day of your exam as these may interfere with the quality of your mammogram.
  • If you have sensitive breasts, scheduling your mammogram between the 7th and 10th day following the onset of your most recent menstrual period may be beneficial, as this is the time your breasts will be least tender.
  • Inform your doctor and technologist of any new problems with your breasts, prior surgeries, hormone use, and family or personal history of breast cancer.
  • Inform your doctor and technologist if there is any possibility that you are pregnant.

History of previous exams

Have you had any prior studies of the area we are going to be imaging? It is important to give this information to SSR prior to your exam. Be sure to include the facility name and approximate dates/years of exams. This helps us to locate the correct studies and have them available for the Radiologists so they can compare and note any changes that have occurred. If you have a copy of your images, please bring them with you to your appointment.

Exam

  • When you arrive at SSR, a receptionist will give you all of your registration materials to review. To expedite check in, these materials can be printed online and filled out prior to your appointment by clicking here.
  • You will be asked to undress from the waist up for this procedure, so please wear a two-piece outfit the day of your scheduled appointment. A gown will be provided for your use. A female technologist will perform your mammogram.
  • A screening mammogram will consist of two images of each breast (please note: diagnostic mammograms require additional images). The breast will be compressed for each image. Breast compression may cause some discomfort for a brief time during each exposure, but should not be painful.
  • The technologist will review each image as it appears on her monitor before positioning you for the next image. The entire procedure, from check-in till your departure, takes approximately 30-45 minutes.

Results

Your mammogram will be read by one of our Radiologists, who will dictate a report that will be sent to your referring clinican, usually within 2-3 days. Your clinician will notify you of the results. If you do not hear from your clinician, do not assume your mammogram was normal. Confirm the results of your mammogram by calling your clinician's office. You will receive a letter from SSR documenting when and where your mammogram was done, as well as follow-up recommendations made in the Radiologist’s report.

Schedule an Appointment!

Has it been over a year since your last mammogram? Call SSR’s Scheduling Specialists at 360-493-4646 to schedule an appointment. Or, click here for additional information regarding scheduling an appointment.

While we do accept walk-in appointments for screening mammograms, it is recommended that you make an appointment to minimize wait time.

More Information?

For more information about this and other procedures, visit RadiologyInfo.org.