Exam Services

Radiology Affiliates Imaging offers a variety of diagnostic imaging services and procedures. Please select a procedure listed below to learn more about that study.

Select An Exam 3T MRI Arthrogram Barium Enema Bone Densitometry / DEXA Breast MRI Calcium Scoring CT CT Lung Cancer Screening Diagnostic Mammography General Fluoroscopy High Field Extremity MRI High Field MRI IVP Screening Mammography UGI Ultrasound X-Ray Low Dose

Screening Mammography

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What Is Screening Mammography?

Screening mammography is a low-dose X-Ray exam of the breasts. If performed annually as recommended, it is the key to detecting breast cancer early and saving lives. Women 40 years of age and older with no symptoms of breast disease, should schedule their screening mammogram appointments annually. If you are experiencing a worrisome lump, changes in the breast skin, nipple discharge, or if you have a personal history of breast cancer, your physician should order a more comprehensive exam, called a diagnostic mammogram.

Radiology Affiliates is committed to providing our patients with the best mammography options available. We are proud to be one of the first in the area to offer digital mammography, the latest technology in breast cancer detection. A digital mammogram is exactly the same as a traditional mammogram from the patient's perspective. Exam time may be a bit shorter, but the main benefit is the radiologists' ability to manipulate and enhance the image, much like a digital photo. Most importantly, studies have shown that digital mammography is more accurate for women under 50 years of age, pre-menopausal women, and all women with dense breast tissue.

Mammograms require breast compression, which may cause some discomfort for a brief time during each X-Ray, but it should not be painful. Breast compression helps obtain better X-Rays by:

• Flattening the breast so that the maximum amount of tissue can be examined.
• Allowing a lower X-Ray dose to be used
• Holding the breast in place to prevent blurring caused by motion

If you have sensitive breasts, schedule your mammogram during the two weeks following your menstrual cycle. Many women's breasts are less tender then, thereby reducing the possibility of discomfort during the mammogram. Removing caffeine from your diet for several days prior to your exam can also help reduce any discomfort.

For more information on this and other radiology procedures, please visit: www.radiologyinfo.com

What Is CAD?

Our radiologists utilize Computer Aided Detection (CAD) to further review breast images. Studies show that the use of CAD may increase the detection rate of breast cancer. It works like a second pair of eyes, reviewing a patient's mammogram after the radiologist makes the initial interpretation.

What Are The Benefits And Risks?

Screening mammography can detect all types of breast cancer, including invasive ductal and invasive lobular cancer. It is also the only proven method to reliably detect small mineral deposits in the breast, microcalicifications, which may indicate an early form of breast cancer called ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). When breast cancer of all kinds are detected early, more treatment options are available.

It is important to note that five to fifteen percent of screening mammograms will be found to require additional testing – this percentage is slightly higher for women 40-49 years of age. This appointment may include specialized mammographic views or breast ultrasound. If this is the case, a member of our staff will contact you personally to discuss the recommended next step. The process of undergoing additional testing after a screening mammogram is known as a diagnostic mammogram. Most diagnostic mammograms conclude with normal results. However, if there is a persistent abnormality, a biopsy or follow up test in six months may be advised.

What Should I Expect?

Your mammogram will be performed by a mammography certified female technologist, under the supervision of a radiologist. The exam will take less than 30 minutes. You are asked not to wear body powder or deodorant. Two-piece clothing is more convenient. After you check-in, you will be escorted to a private dressing room, where you will be asked to undress from the waist up. You will be given a gown that opens in the front. The technologist will ask you several questions, so she can better understand your history and/or any problems you may be having.

Most often, multiple views will be taken of your breasts. During each X-Ray, the technologist will carefully position your breast so that it fits firmly between the plastic compression paddles on the mammogram unit. This will last only a few seconds. It should be not painful, but may be uncomfortable if your breasts are very sensitive, or you are having a problem with tenderness or swelling. To reduce tenderness, have a caffeine-free diet for several days before the exam. The compression will not harm your breast in any way and is important in obtaining a good image for evaluation. You must hold very still while the X-Ray picture is taken to reduce the possibility of a blurred image. When the exam is complete, the technologist will determine that the images are of high enough quality for the radiologist to read, and she will escort you back to your dressing room.

When Will I Receive Results?

The results of your mammogram will be sent to your physician promptly. You will also receive an outcome letter summarizing your results from Radiology Affiliates Imaging.

How Do I Make An Appointment?

If you would like to make an appointment, please call (609) 585-8800 and select option 5. Or you can request an appointment on line.