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Mammography

What is a Mammogram?

Mammography uses computers and specially designed digital detectors to produce detailed X-ray images of breast tissue. The purpose of mammography is to identify breast cancer early in its development when it is still very small, often years before it is large enough to be felt as a lu mp. Small cancers often require less aggressive treatment and have the best chance for long term survival.

Tomosynthesis “3D” mammography takes multiple x-ray images of the compressed breast using different projections and from this data reconstructs  multiple stacked thin images representing the whole  breast volume. These can be viewed one after another, allowing the whole breast to be examined slice by slice, similar to reading pages in a book.

Woman Looking At Her Mammogram Results On Patient Portal

Do I Need A Mammogram?

The American Cancer Society and the American College of Radiology have developed guidelines shown in the table below. Over 90% of breast cancers can be detected when all three methods are used together in a planned program. The following recommendations are for women who are considered average risk for developing breast cancer.

Age Breast Self-Exam Mammography Physical Exam
20-40 Once a month, 7-10 days after onset of menstruation Initial mammogram at age 40 At least every 3 years
40+ Once a month, 7-10 days after onset of menstruation Every year Every year

For your convenience, we offer an option to request your appointment online.

Schedule an Appointment

This service available at the following locations:

• Green Valley Casa Verde

• La Cholla

• Midvale

• Rancho Vistoso

• Rincon

• St. Mary’s Medical Plaza

• Wilmot

What Should I Expect?

• Expect to spend 45 minutes to an hour at the facility to complete the entire process.
• Please do not wear deodorant, lotion, powder, or perfume under your arms or on your breasts the day of the procedure.
• Prior to your exam you will be asked to undress from the waist up. A gown will be provided for your comfort. It is best if you wear shorts, pants, or a skirt to your appointment so that you can easily undress from the waist up.
• The mammography technologist will interview you and review your medical history.
• The technologist will visually inspect your breasts for any skin changes or puckering. They may also place markers on your skin showing where moles and/or surgical scars are located.
• The technologist will manually place your breast in the machine for each image to ensure proper positioning while also coaching you for body placement to ensure you are as comfortable as possible.
• There are 4 standard images that will be obtained: 2 of each breast. Additional images may be necessary in the event that the image quality was not optimal, if you have breast implants, or if the entire breast cannot be seen on a single image.
• For each image the breast will be compressed between two plates in order to obtain the best possible image.
• Breast compression is necessary to obtain the best possible images while exposing patients to the smallest possible amount of radiation.

For your safety and the protection of others, we do not allow anyone other than patients in our exam rooms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 3D mammography safe?

There is no evidence to show that the current level of radiation exposure for annual mammograms will increase the risk of breast cancer. This is considered a low dose and well below the FDA established threshold of acceptable radiation dose. Radiology Ltd., as well as all imaging centers performing mammograms, are held to specific guidelines with frequent equipment inspections to ensure that the equipment is safe and uses the lowest radiation dose possible to produce high quality images. Bottom line, the benefits of early breast cancer detection and treatment far outweigh any theoretical harm from the low dose radiation exposure.

How 3D Mammography Works

Learn how 3D Mammography Works from our Demonstration Video

In how many facilities is Rad Ltd offering 3D mammography?

3D mammography is currently available at the following locations:
• Wilmot Center for Women’s Imaging
• La Cholla Center for Women’s Imaging
• Rincon Imaging Center
• Radiology Ltd. – Midvale
• Radiology Ltd. – Rancho Vistoso
• Radiology Ltd.- Continental
• Radiology Ltd.- Casa Verde
• Radiology Ltd. – St. Mary’s

What Should I Expect?

• Expect to spend 45 minutes to an hour at the facility to complete the entire process.
• Please do not wear deodorant, lotion, powder, or perfume under your arms or on your breasts the day of the procedure.
• Prior to your exam you will be asked to undress from the waist up. A gown will be provided for your comfort. It is best if you wear shorts, pants, or a skirt to your appointment so that you can easily undress from the waist up.
• The mammography technologist will interview you and review your medical history.
• The technologist will visually inspect your breasts for any skin changes or puckering. They may also place markers on your skin showing where moles and/or surgical scars are located.
• The technologist will manually place your breast in the machine for each image to ensure proper positioning while also coaching you for body placement to ensure you are as comfortable as possible.
• There are 4 standard images that will be obtained: 2 of each breast. Additional images may be necessary in the event that the image quality was not optimal, if you have breast implants, or if the entire breast cannot be seen on a single image.
• For each image the breast will be compressed between two plates in order to obtain the best possible image.
• Breast compression is necessary to obtain the best possible images while exposing patients to the smallest possible amount of radiation.

How do I get the results?

After your study, the images will be evaluated by one of our board-certified radiologists with expertise in breast imaging. A final report will be sent to your doctor or healthcare provider, who can then discuss the results with you in detail.

If an abnormality is found on your screening mammogram, you will be contacted to return for a diagnostic mammogram, which usually consists of both additional X-ray images and a breast ultrasound. The diagnostic mammogram is necessary for clarification and in most cases confirms that the abnormality found on the screening mammogram is benign (non-cancerous). However, if further clarification is still needed, a breast MRI or breast biopsy may be recommended.

Reports are also available on the Patient Portal

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