Mammography & R2CAD
What is a mammogram?
A mammogram is an X-ray exam of the breast. It is used to detect and evaluate breast abnormalities, both in women who have no breast complaints or symptoms and in women who have breast symptoms (problems such as a lump, or nipple discharge). Men too can have mammogram.
A screening mammogram is a routine exam that is ordered when there are no signs or symptoms of breast cancer. A screening mammogram usually takes two X-ray pictures or views of each breast. For some patients, more pictures may be needed to include as much breast tissue as possible. A screening mammogram usually takes about 20 minutes.
For some patients, a diagnostic mammogram may be ordered. This exam is an X-ray of the breast that is used to check for breast cancer after a lump or other sign or symptom of breast cancer has been found. Signs of breast cancer may include pain, skin thickening, nipple discharge, or a change in breast size or shape. A diagnostic mammogram also may be used to evaluate changes found during a screening mammogram, or to view breast tissue when it is difficult to obtain a screening mammogram because of special circumstances, such as the presence of breast implants.
How does it work?
A mammogram uses a special type of X-ray machine that produces lower energy X-rays that do not penetrate the breast tissue as easily as those used for routine chest X-rays or X-rays of the arms or legs. This improves the contrast of the image. Modern mammography also results in a significantly lower dose of radiation to the breast compared with the earlier units.
During the mammogram the breast is compressed in order to spread the tissue. This compression ensures that there will be very little movement, that the image is sharp, and that the exam can be done with a lower X-ray dose. Although this compression causes some discomfort, it only lasts for a few seconds and is needed to produce a good mammogram for interpretation by our radiologists.
Redwood Regional Medical Group offers the R2 Image Checker System. This is a computer aided detection (CAD) system for breast imaging that our radiologists use for viewing mammograms. It is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for mammography screening. After your mammogram films are complete, they are placed into the R2 Image Checker. The R2 Image Checker scans your mammogram films with a laser beam and converts the image into a digital signal. The computer system analyzes the mammogram films and can assist in the detection of breast abnormalities. The R2 Image Checker does not alter X-ray films and it does not replace our radiologist. The R2 Image Checker scan does add an extra step in interpreting your mammogram, like another set of "eyes" to check for suspicious areas. Studies of the R2 Image Checker have shown that use of the system can improve the cancer detection rate.
Why would you need a mammogram?
Mammograms are used to detect breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, women age 40 and older should have a screening mammogram every year, and should continue to do so for as long as they are in good health. Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam as part of a regular health exam by their doctor, preferably every 3 years.
Pre-exam instructions for a mammogram
There are no special preparation instructions for a mammogram other than to avoid applying powders, perfumes, colognes, or deodorants from the neck to the waist for women or men.
To schedule your mammogram exam, please call us at (707) 525-4040. If you need to cancel, please call us 24 hours prior to your scheduled exam time.
The day of your exam
On the day of your exam, please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. If it is your first exam with us, we may ask that you bring any previous mammography films with you. Please be ready to present your insurance information when you check in. You may purchase a MammoPad for a minimal cost when you register. The MammoPad is a thin, disposable foam rubber pad that is used to make the exam more comfortable. Using a MammoPad will not compromise the results of the exam.
Once you are checked in, one of our mammography technologists will escort you to a changing room and provide you with a gown to wear for your exam. A locker is provided for your belongs.
After your exam
You may leave as soon as the exam is completed. Unless you have received special instructions, you will be able to eat and drink immediately following the procedure.
Your mammogram will be evaluated by our Radiologists with a report sent promptly to your referring physician, who will be able to review the results with you.
Mammogram side effects
There are no known long-term side effects associated with mammography.