Mammography Unit A screening mammogram is performed on women with no symptoms to detect abnormalities of the breasts. Mammography uses a low dose radiographic system with a high contrast, high resolution detector or film. Mammography has been shown to detect 85-90% of breast cancer in women over the age of 50. Current guidelines recommend baseline mammography at age 35, then annual mammography beginning at age 40. A patient who has had a first degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) with breast cancer should start annual screening 10 years prior to the age of their relative’s diagnosis. What to Expect: Four x-ray pictures, two of each breast are taken on a dedicated x-ray machine. To obtain the best possible images with the least radiation the breasts are compressed briefly. At all facilities, we use a disposable cushion (Mammopad) between the breast and the machine to make the procedure more comfortable. The exam takes approximately one half hour. The mammogram is performed by a female technologist who has advanced training and certification in breast imaging. No radiologist is present during the study for a screening exam; the test is commonly reviewed and interpreted the following day by a board certified radiologist, who specializes in breast imaging. All facilities are accredited in mammography by The American College of Radiology and are inspected yearly by the FDA. It is not uncommon for a radiologist to ask the technologist to perform special or additional x-ray pictures or a breast ultrasound to see an area better. Additional images are not always the sign of a serious problem. The interpretation of the films will be sent to your doctor and you will receive a letter with the results of your mammogram. At the time of service, you can ask that a normal result be sent to you by email; any result that requires a short term follow-up, 6 month follow-up or biopsy will be sent to you by US mail. It is important for the radiologist to compare your current mammogram with your prior mammogram. If your prior films were not obtained at the facility where you have your exam, please bring them with you to your appointment or tell the scheduler where they were taken, so that we may obtain them in time for your appointment. Bon Secours has been the local leader in incorporating technological advances of quality and comfort into our service. We were the first in the area to offer digital mammography, computer-aided detection, and Mammopads. Digital mammography, also called full-field digital mammography (FFDM), is a mammography system in which the x-ray film is replaced by solid-state detectors that convert x-rays into electrical signals. These detectors are similar to those found in digital cameras. The electrical signals are used to produce images of the breast that can be seen on a computer screen or printed on special film similar to conventional mammograms. From the patient's point of view, digital mammography is essentially the same as the screen-film system. Computer-aided detection (CAD) systems are used, when possible, as essentially a "second read" of our digitally acquired mammogram. The computer software then searches for abnormal areas of density, mass, or calcification that may indicate the presence of cancer. The CAD system highlights these areas on the images, alerting the radiologist to the need for further analysis. Mammopad is a disposable cushion used at all of our facilities that allows patients to tolerate compression better. If you commonly experience breast tenderness, you might also consider scheduling your appointment about 7 to 10 days after the first day of your last period, at a time when the breasts are least hormonally sensitive. Preparation: Do not wear any powder or deodorant under the arms or around the breast area. Information: Radiology Information Resource for Patient Mammography Locations for Screening Mammography: • Memorial Regional Medical Center • Richmond Community Hospital • St. Francis Medical Center • St. Mary's Hospital • Laburnum Diagnostic Imaging Center • Reynolds Crossing Imaging Center • St. Francis Imaging Center, Midlothian Commonwealth Radiology, P.C. 1508 Willow Lawn Dr. Ste. 117 Richmond, Virginia 23230 804-288-8327 www.commonwealthradiology.com