Mammography

What is a mammogram?
A mammogram is a safe, low-dose x-ray picture of the breast. It is currently the most effective method of detecting breast cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages.

Why should I have a mammogram?
A mammogram can find breast cancer that is too small to be seen or felt. If breast cancer is found early on a mammogram, it can be treated early when it is easiest to cure. In some cases, finding a breast lump early may mean that a patient can choose surgery to save her breast. Early detection also may mean that chemotherapy is unnecessary.

How is a mammogram done?
When you have a mammogram, you stand in front of a special digital imaging machine. The technologist lifts each breast and places it on a warm padded platform. The breast is then gradually pressed against the pad by a specially designed, clear plastic plate. Some pressure is applied for a few seconds to make sure the image shows as much of the breast as possible. This pressure is not harmful to your breast.

To reduce any discomfort during the procedure Valley Regional Hospital uses a soft, foam pad-called MammoPad on the compression plate of its mammography machine to decrease discomfort during mammograms. The single-use, adhesive-backed foam cushion is "invisible" to x-rays and does not interfere with the image quality of the mammogram.

Should women be concerned about radiation dose during mammography?
Yes, no matter how small the does of radiation it still can have harmful affects to the body. With that being said, the Mammography department at Valley Regional Hospital has installed a state of the art, low dose, tungsten, full field digital mammography unit. It produces images at 20-25% less radiation exposure than other full field digital units. With this unit we feel the long term affects of having digital Mammography are extremely low and are far less than the risk of developing undetected breast cancer.

What is a screening mammogram?
A screening mammogram is a quick, easy way to detect breast cancer early when treatment is more effective and survival is high. It is a x-ray of the breast that doctors use to look for breast changes in women with no symptoms of breast cancer. Usually, two x-ray pictures are taken of each breast. A physician trained to read the mammograms examines them later. Screening for breast cancer is best achieved by including both mammography and a clinical breast examination in the screening process. Depending on your age and health history, women forty years and over are usually screened annually or once every two years. Talk your doctor about the proper schedule for you given your age and health history.

What is a diagnostic mammography exam?
A doctor uses a diagnostic mammogram to help learn the cause of a woman's breast problems such as a breast mass, skin changes, or nipple discharge. Diagnostic mammography takes a little longer than screening mammography because more x-rays are taken. A qualified physician may check the mammograms while you wait.

How will a patient get the results of her mammogram?
Valley Regional Hospital provides patients a written report of the results within 30 days of the exam. The doctor who ordered the test will also be sent a copy of the results with more technical details. Patients should talk with their doctor about the results of the exam to determine if any follow-up testing or treatment is needed.

What if the report results are "suspicious" or "highly suggestive of a malignancy"?
Most mammograms are normal. If there is a concern about an exam, however, Valley Regional Hospital will notify the patient within five business days. Should you receive an abnormal result, please contact your doctor's office immediately to arrange an appointment during which you can discuss what tests or treatments are needed.

How can I schedule a mammogram?
For routine mammograms, patients should call (603) 542-3478 to schedule an exam.