Mammogram & Breast Imaging in Omaha, NE
What is a Mammography?
Mammography, also known as a mammogram, is the examination of the breast using x-rays. Mammography is considered the most effective tool for early detection and diagnosis of breast abnormalities. Mammography is a critical tool in screening breast cancer, detecting tumors or others changes in breast tissue at an early stage when treatment options are often more effective. Mammography plays a central part in early detection of breast cancers because it can show changes in the breast up to two years before a patient or physician can feel them.
Our Practice will be using a digital advanced Hologic 3D Performance system, is a specialized X-ray imaging technique designed to detect and evaluate abnormalities in breast tissue. Hologic 3D mammography exams are more accurate than conventional 2D mammograms, detecting 20%-65% more invasive cancers. Our system is also equipped with computer-aided detection, or CAD, using a digitized mammographic image to search 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 need for further analysis.
If you are due for your regular breast cancer screening or have any questions, call Associates in Womens Health in Omaha, NE today at (402) 697-7200.
What are the advantages of digital mammography and computer-aided detection?
- Compared to conventional mammography which takes 10-15 minutes, digital mammography images are taken in less than a minute.
- The superior contrast resolution of digital mammography and its ability to manipulate images make for more accurate detection of breast cancers.
- Computer-aided detection, or CAD, obtains a second, computerized reading in the hope of finding more cancers or more accurately gauging signs of malignancy.
- Digital mammograms can be archived in various ways and easily retrieved and copied.
How often should I have a mammogram?
Current guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the American Cancer Society (ACS), the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American College of Radiology (ACR) recommend screening mammography every year for women, beginning at age 40.
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) recommends that women who have had breast cancer and those who are at increased risk due to a genetic history of breast cancer should seek expert medical advice about whether they should begin screening before age 40 and about the frequency of screening.
When should I schedule my mammogram?
Before scheduling a mammogram, you should discuss problems in your breasts with your doctor. In addition, inform your doctor of hormone use, any prior surgeries, and family or personal history of breast cancer. It is advisable to avoid scheduling your mammogram during times when breast tenderness can be heightened. Generally, the best time is one week following your period. Always inform your x-ray technologist if there is any possibility that you are pregnant.
Also please alert our staff when scheduling if you have had prior mammograms at other facilities, so that we can obtain the images prior to your appointment for comparisons. This will ensure there is no delay in your exam being interpreted.
How should I prepare for a mammogram?
On the day of the exam:
- Do not apply deodorants, antiperspirants, powders, or lotions to your underarm or breast area on the day of the exam.
- Describe any problems you’re experiencing with your breasts with your technologist
- Remove all jewelry and clothing from the waist up. You will be given a gown that opens in the front.
- Wearing a top and bottom is more convenient than a one-piece outfit and limiting jewelry from the waist up is advised. You will be provided with a gown that opens in the front to complete the exam.
What should I expect during this exam?
To image your breast, a x-ray technician will position you near the machine and your breast will be placed on a platform and compressed with a paddle. Breast compression is necessary in order to:
- Even out the breast thickness – so that all of the tissue can be visualized.
- Spread out the tissue – so that small abnormalities won’t be obscured.
- Allow use of a lower x-ray dose.
- Hold the breast still – to eliminate blurring of the image caused by motion.
- Reduce x-ray scatter – to increase picture sharpness.
The technologist will go behind a glass shield while making the x-ray exposure. You will be asked to change positions slightly between views. The process is repeated for the other breast. Routine views are a top-to-bottom and side view.
What will I experience during the procedure?
The exam takes about a fifteen minutes. The technologist will apply compression on your breast and, as a result, you will feel pressure on the breast as it is squeezed by the compressor. Some women with sensitive breasts may experience some minor discomfort. Be sure to inform the technologist if pain occurs as compression is increased. If discomfort is significant, less compression will be used.
For more information on this topic, please visit www.Radiologyinfo.org.
Schedule an Appointment
The expertly trained OBGYNs at Associates in Womens Health believe that routine breast exams are an essential part of preventative care. Call (402) 697-7200 to schedule an appointment at our office in Omaha, NE today!
