Mammography
In 2009 Radiology Consultants (RCA) completed the digital transformation of the whole practice. Included in this process was the installation of 9 state of the art, full field digital mammography (FFDM) machines in our clinics in Calgary. This acquisition was the single biggest digital installation of any private radiology practice in Canada. Digital mammography has many well documented advantages above the old film/screen technology. This technology puts RCA in the very forefront of the available imaging modalities for breast imaging and continues our drive to give our patients the very best care available.
Digital mammography reduces unnecessary recalls by 20%, minimizes patient anxiety and reduces exam times. It also reduces the radiation exposure to the patient. For radiologists, the technology gives improved image quality, offers better contrast resolution and maximizes the dynamic range with FFD images.
What is a mammogram?
A mammogram is an X-ray examination that provides highly detailed images of the internal structure of the breast. Mammography plays a central role in the early detection of breast cancer, as it can reveal abnormal growths and tumors that are too small for you or your doctor to feel. This means that many breast cancers can be found when still very small, when treatment is less aggressive and more effective, and long before it spreads to other parts of the body. A mammogram can also assess an area of concern, to determine if further investigation is needed. It is not unusual for a man to require a breast X-ray. A mammogram is carried out with specialized equipment used exclusively for X-ray examination of the breast.
What's the difference between screening and diagnostic mammograms?
Who should have a mammogram?
What should I expect?
How long will it take?
How do I prepare?
Locations
What is the difference between a screening mammogram and a diagnostic mammogram?
There are two types of mammograms: screening and diagnostic. The difference is in the reason for the examination.
A screening mammogram is performed on a woman who has no obvious breast abnormality and displays no sign of breast cancer. If you are having a screening mammogram, you can leave once the procedure is complete and a technologist has determined that your breast X-rays are of good quality.
A diagnostic mammogram is performed if your screening mammogram shows a possible abnormality and additional imaging is required. The additional imaging could be additional mammography and/or a breast ultrasound examination. As well, a diagnostic mammogram is done if you or your physician notice any unusual breast change, if you have had breast cancer before, if you have breast implants, or if you have had breast biopsy or surgery in the past three years. The diagnostic mammogram is done to answer a particular clinical question, and the radiologist will study the images to decide if additional investigation is needed.
For all exams, the radiologist will interpret the findings and forward a report to your physician.
Who needs a mammogram?
The risk of breast cancer increases as a woman gets older. Treatment is usually less aggressive and more effective if diagnosis is early, and the chance of cure is greater. It is therefore recommended that, starting at age 40, women should have a screening mammogram on a yearly basis. Some others say screening should occur every two years, but we believe that two years is too long an interval between examinations. Some others say that screening should start at age 50, but we believe that is too late. The American Cancer Society recommends that screening mammography of women should be done annually, starting at age 40. Screening may start at a younger age if there is a family history of breast cancer before age 40. Because mammography cannot find all cancers, a woman should examine her own breasts monthly and have a breast exam by her doctor every year, preferably prior to mammography.
What will happen during my mammogram procedure?
Upon arriving for your scheduled mammogram, you will be asked to undress from the waist up and be given a gown to wear. Your privacy will be respected. An experienced technologist will position you in front of the mammography unit and place your breast between the two plates of the X-ray system. The plates will be pressed together, compressing the breast as briefly as possible. This may produce some short-term discomfort, but compressing the breast is necessary to obtain the clearest image with the least amount of radiation. Each breast will be imaged at least two times, for top and side views.
How long will the mammogram take?
The mammogram procedure usually takes about 30-45 minutes. Once it is complete, a radiologist will review the images and forward a report to your physician. You will also receive a summary of the final report.
How do I prepare for my mammogram?
A mammogram does not require any complicated preparation.
If possible, schedule your appointment to give us enough time to obtain the images of your previous mammography exams. It is best to have your previous examination images available on the day of your exam, for immediate comparison. When you make your appointment, let us know when and where previous examinations have been performed. We will ask that your previous images be forwarded to us. If your previous exams have been performed outside Calgary, you should ask that facility to send the images to us.
When making your appointment, tell us of any problem you may have with lack of overall mobility, or of any shoulder motion difficulty.
If you have experienced pain during a past mammogram, let us know, and stay on a caffeine-free diet for at least 2-3 days leading up to your exam, as this will help minimize discomfort. Premenstrual tenderness in the breasts can be a problem, so consider having your exam after monthly tenderness has subsided.
On the day of your exam:
- Bathe or shower. Do not use deodorant, antiperspirant, lotion or powder under the arms or in the breast area, as these substances can interfere with the images.
- Wear a two-piece outfit, as you required to undress from the waist up.
Please be aware of age and frequency limitations for Screening Mammography insurance coverage. Generally, Alberta Health Care covers annual screening mammograms for women beginning at age 40.
Locations:
All of our mammography facilities are accredited by the Canadian Association of Radiologists, and we were among the first to achieve this distinction, which is equivalent to accreditation by the American College of Radiology.
