Preparing for a Mammogram
How do I prepare for a Mammogram?
Your mammogram will be performed by a mammography certified female technologist. 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.
What should I expect during a Mammogram?
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. Compressing the breast maximizes the amount of tissue that can be examined, holds the breast in place to prevent blurred imaging and allows a lower dose of radiation to be used since x-rays pass more easily through thinner tissue.
If you are worried about breast discomfort or have sensitive breasts, schedule your mammogram at a time of the month when your breasts are normally less tender. For most women, this is the week after their period.
Which locations offer Mammograms?
Only our Morganton location offers Mammograms.
How do I make an appointment?
Typically your referring physician will schedule an appointment for you by calling our office. Please feel free to call us if you have questions about your appointment or the procedure.
Other Diagnostic Exams
Breast Ultrasound
A breast ultrasound is used in addition to mammography to help the physician determine if a mass is solid tissue or simply a fluid-filled cyst. It can help you by providing a clearer diagnosis, thereby eliminating unnecessary surgical procedures. Radiologists perform breast ultrasounds only when needed to help make a diagnosis. A breast ultrasound, is painless and safe, and takes only a few minutes.
What is a Needle Biopsy of the Breast?
Biopsies are the only definitive way to confirm if breast tissue is benign or cancerous. Needle biopsy is safe, minimally invasive procedure used to get a sample from an abnormal breast lesion. Small amounts of breast tissue are removed through a needle, and the tissue is studied under a microscope by a pathologist, who will then provide a diagnosis.
There are various methods by which a needle biopsy can be preformed:
- An ultrasound-guided biopsy is a technique most often used to guide a breast biopsy when a breast abnormality is visible on ultrasound
- An MRI- guided biopsy is guided in real time by magnetic resonance imaging. It is the latest development and an important advance in diagnosing breast cancer. It is useful when an ultrasound biopsy is not appropriate because the area of concern is not well seen by mammogram or ultrasound, but is discovered or is most conspicuous on MRI.
- An mammo guided biopsy is used when the abnormality is only visible in mammography.
What should I expect?
We realize a biopsy may be an emotionally stressful experience. However, patient comfort, in addition to accurate diagnosis, is our main priority. Our radiologist and staff are trained to make this procedure as comfortable and quick as possible. A needle biopsy can be performed with local anesthetic and minimal discomfort. With this procedure, no stitches are required and most women can resume normal daily activity immediately. Keep in mind that more than 80% of all breast abnormalities are benign or non-cancerous.
If it makes you feel more comfortable, you may want a relative or friend to join you to lend support and drive you home. Please do not take aspirin or ibuprofen 5 to 7 days prior to biopsy. Please let the staff know if you taking blood thinners prior to your appointment. No change in eating habits is required.
When will I receive results?
Biopsy samples are sent to a pathologist, who will analyze the specimen and provide your physician and Blue Ridge Radiology with a report. Your physician will notify you of with the results.
Which locations off Biopsies?
Both our Morganton location offers Mammograms.
What is a lesion?
'Lesion' is a medical term for anything on or in the body that isn’t ordinarily there – from a harmless cyst to a cancerous tumor. A lesion on a mammogram is an area that appears different from the surrounding breast tissue.
Why not use this procedure for a lump you can feel?
If the lump is large enough to be felt, it is usually biopsied with a small needle in a doctor’s office. You and your doctor will decide the best system to obtain a tissue sample. Occasionally, a stereotactic biopsy can be used for palpable lesions.
What should you expect during this procedure?
Getting a Stereotactic Breast Biopsy is like having a mammogram lying down. You lie face down on a table with a small cutout for your breast. You are given a mammogram, and while your breast is compressed, the radiologist will position the needle at the lesion. That area of your breast is numbed. The actual needle biopsy is very fast – almost like getting your ears pierced for earrings. When the exam is over, the technician will apply a small Band-Aid, and there will be no significant alteration of your breast.
Is the procedure painful?
Not usually. Most women say they don’t feel anything except the pressure of the mammogram itself. A few even fall asleep during the procedure. Since the needle creates a very small puncture in the breast, no stitches are required afterwards.
How will I know the results of my exam?
Exam results are interpreted by a radiologist specializing in mammography. The results are then phoned, faxed or mailed to the referring physician. Your physician will contact you if problems are suspected or further studies should be done.