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Digital Mammography
Mammograms can be performed for screening or diagnostic purposes. Screening mammograms are usually performed annually beginning at the age of 40. However, if you have a close family history of breast cancer, these screenings may need to start sooner. Diagnostic mammograms are performed when there are risk factors noticed in the breast such as pain, a palpable lump, or discharge. Diagnostic mammograms may require additional views for localizing any suspicious tissue. The radiologist or your physician may request a breast ultrasound to diagnose any tissue changes, to determine if they are fluid-filled or cancerous.
While mammograms and CAD systems are the best breast cancer screening tools, they do not detect all breast cancers. Research is being done on a variety of breast imaging techniques that will contribute to early detection and to improve the accuracy in distinguishing non-cancerous conditions from breast cancers.
How should I prepare for the exam?
- Do not schedule your mammogram the week before your period if your breasts become tender.
- Do not wear any deodorant, talcum powder, or lotion under your arms or on your breasts on the day of the exam, as this can show as calcium spots.
- Describe any breast symptoms or problems to the technologist performing the exam.
- If possible, obtain prior mammograms and make them available to the technologist or radiologist at the time of your exam.
When should my results be available?
- Films are read the same day for most screening mammograms; however, reports may not be finalized for 14 days, especially for diagnostic mammograms and ultrasounds.
- Delays occur when films must be obtained from remote locations or out of state.
- All exams are read twice by board-certified radiologists.
When it comes to digital mammography...
NOT ALL SYSTEMS ARE THE SAME!
Others may offer digital mammography in the
Quad Cities region, but St. Joe’s has:
• The only GE Senographe Essential in the region!
• This means your average dose will be up to 60% lower!
• That’s 30-60% lower than all the other systems,
while still providing higher detector efficiency!*
The GE SE accommodates all body types and provides
the largest field of view available today while giving you:
• Fewer exposures and optimized image quality
• Quick set-up time and instantaneous image review
• Greater ease for both patient and technologist
• Increased first time accuracy
And only at St. Joe’s...
The Diagnostic Imaging Center runs 24/7!
So in off hours, all the others turn to us!
*Results verified by non-GE independent studies
