Diagnostic Bilateral or Unilateral Mammogram

Overview-
A diagnostic mammogram is a mammogram performed on the breast for problems or follow up to breast cancer or lumps in the breast. This test may include special positions or spot compressions of specific areas of your breast.

Criteria for a diagnostic mammogram:
• Patient has symptoms: Lump, nipple discharge, nipple retraction or skin changes.
• Patients who have had a prior history of breast cancer.
• Patients that have had a recent screening exam and a questionable area was detected.

Preparation:
Please do not wear deodorant or powder on the day of your mammogram. This can show up on the xrays and can be mistaken for microcalcifications in your breast.

Length of exam-
The diagnostic mammogram takes about 30 minutes to perform.

How is exam performed?
You will be escorted to the mammography suite and asked to remove your clothes from the waist up. You will be given a gown to put on. The mammography technologist will position your breast on the mammography machine in several different positions. The paddles on the mammography machine will compress your breast. It is very important that adequate compression is used or suspicious areas in the breast can be missed. Special views or spot compressions may be taken to look at an area more closely. A breast ultrasound may also be performed if the mammogram does not show the area clear enough.

The mammogram films will be processed and ran through the R2 CAD Detector unit. The radiologist will read your films and compare his findings to the R2 unit. A report will be dictated and printed for your physician.

Results-
Please contact your physician or health care provider for the results of your test. The results will be available within a couple of days. A letter with the results will be sent to your home within two weeks of your appointment.

Please refer any questions regarding your results to your physician or health care provider.

This page is intended for educational purposes only. This should not replace medical advice from your physician. Please call your physician if you have medical questions concerning your health. For any questions about the procedure, please contact the radiology department.