MAMMOGRAPHY
Imaging Associates of Providence features advanced digital mammography — along with caring, compassionate mammographers and our 25 Minute Promise:
We’ll have you in and out of your screening mammography appointment in 25 minutes or less!
In addition to the unrivaled convenience and comfort we offer, many of our patients have followed our mammographers to Imaging Associates. They know they’ll be treated well — and that their doctors will get all the medical advantages of IAP’s leading edge diagnostic technology.
Imaging Associates offers both annual screenings and full diagnostic mammograms, along with a host of other leading edge women’s imaging services.
Getting your very first mammogram?
See helpful “first timer” tips from women who’ve been there before.
Interested in a “mammogram social”?!
Organize your office or get your gal pals together and come in to Imaging Associates after hours for wine, hors d’oeuvres and screening mammograms. Whether you need your annual or first (baseline) mammogram, you’re sure to have a good time.
For more information and to schedule your mammogram social, call Cynthia at 301-8951 or Sterling at 631-8404 (in the Valley).
How does digital mammography work?
Digital mammography uses computers and specially designed
digital detectors to produce an image that can be displayed on a
high-resolution computer monitor and transmitted and stored just
like a computer file.
The key role of mammography is in identifying a site
of breast cancer early in its development when it is very small
and often a year or two before it is large enough to be felt as
a lump. These small cancers have a much better response to treatment
and often require much less surgical or drug treatment. Mammography
detects approximately 2-3 times as many “early” breast
cancers as physical examination, and is the best method for screening
for breast cancer.
What is CAD?
Computer-aided detection (CAD) is a recent advance
in mammography, which helps the radiologist identify abnormalities
within the breast. CAD technology reviews digitized mammograms and
marks areas of suspected abnormalities. When using a CAD system,
the radiologist always makes the final interpretation of the mammogram.
CAD improves the rate of detection of small abnormalities of the
breast, increasing the chances of successful treatment. Interpretation
with CAD is similar to having a mammogram read by two radiologists.
How do I prepare for my mammogram?
There are no special preparations needed, other than
not wearing deodorant, lotions, baby oil, or talcum powder on or
around your breasts or underarms on the day of your exam.
What should I expect during my mammogram?
A typical mammogram consists of two views of each
breast in which they are pressed firmly between two plastic plates.
The complete procedure takes only a few minutes, performed by a
board-certified mammographer who will do everything she can to make
your exam as quick and comfortable as possible. After the exam,
your breasts may be slightly red and tender for a few hours, but
this will fade quickly.
How do I get the results?
One of our radiologists will analyze the images from
your exam, looking for specific abnormalities or changes related
to cancer. A written report will then be sent to your doctor, who
will then contact you within a few days to discuss the results with
you in detail. On occasion, the radiologist may order additional
views or other imaging techniques such as ultrasound or MRI. IAP
will also send you a letter with your results.
Who do I call with questions?
Questions about the results of your exam should be directed to your primary healthcare provider. For any other questions or concerns, please feel free to call us directly. (Find our numbers here.)
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