Mammography
What is a Mammogram?
A mammogram is a special x-ray examination of the breast. The examination is performed by compressing the patient’s breast between two compression paddles to obtain a clear image of the breast tissue.
A screening mammogram is routinely performed to detect breast cancer in women with no apparent symptoms. Diagnostic mammograms are used after abnormal results on a screening mammogram or if the patient and/or healthcare provider detects an abnormality in the breast.
Spencer Hospital utilizes 3D mammography which allows the Radiologist to examine the breast tissue layer by layer. So, instead of viewing all of the complexities of your breast tissue in a flat image, as with conventional 2D mammography, fine details are more visible and no longer hidden by the tissue above or below.
What do I Need to do to Prepare for the Exam?
It is recommended to wear a two piece outfit as you will be instructed to undress from the waist up and will be provided a cape to wear. Do not wear deodorant, talcum powder, or lotion on the breasts or underarms as these products may show up on the mammogram image.
What Should I Expect when I Arrive?
Please enter entrance B of Spencer Hospital and stop at our Patient Registration area just beyond the Gift Shop. In our private patient registration room, your personal and insurance information will be updated. Once you are registered, you will be directed to the Women’s Center in the Diagnostic Imaging department.
What will I Experience During the Exam?
Since mammography uses compression to obtain a clear image of the breast tissue, some discomfort is common. It is important to use proper compression to increase the image quality while reducing the radiation exposure to the patient. The mammographer will educate you on what to expect. Please ask the mammographer any questions or concerns that you may have.
Who will be in the Exam Room with Me?
A registered mammographer will perform the exam in a private mammography room.
What do I need to do After the Exam?
Following a mammogram, there are no special instructions or restrictions. If you underwent a procedure such as a biopsy, additional post procedure information will be given to you by the mammographer or the Radiologist who performed the procedure.
When will I receive the Results of the Exam?
Your results will be sent to you in the mail. Your results will also be sent to your healthcare provider. If you have questions regarding receiving your results or regarding your results, please contact your physician’s office.
Breast Health Navigators
If a breast health concern is detected, our certified breast health navigators are available to assist you through your journey of care. Your breast health navigator will meet with you to help answer any questions, connect you with medical and community resources, and to provide support. Contact our Women’s Health Center for more information: womenshealth@spencerhospital.org.
Breast Density Guidelines
Quality healthcare at Spencer Hospital is our top priority to best care for our patients. All of Spencer Hospital’s Mammographers are registered Mammographers through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
Spencer Hospital Mammography Services are accredited by the American College of Radiology.
Spencer Hospital is recognized as a Designated Comprehensive Breast Imaging Center by the American College of Radiology.
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