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A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray examination of the breast tissue. Mammograms are commonly performed to look for breast cancer, but also can detect non-cancerous masses, cysts, calcifications and sometimes breast implant ruptures. Hoag utilizes 100% digital mammography, both conventional 2D mammography as well as 3D tomosynthesis. Conventional 2D mammography produces a single composite image of the breast, while tomosynthesis allows the radiologist to view multiple sequential images of the breast without any significant increase in radiation dose.
Computer-Aided Detection (CAD) is routinely used at Hoag and Newport Imaging Center to further review all screening and most diagnostic mammograms. After a radiologist has viewed your mammogram images, a specially designed CAD computer program scans the images and identifies areas that may require greater scrutiny. This technology, which is like having a second set of eyes review your mammogram, helps your radiologist detect these abnormalities.
Mammography is the most reliable screening method for breast cancer detection available today. The American Cancer Society, the American College of Radiology and the American Medical Association recommend an annual mammogram for women who are 40 years of age and older. The combination of regular mammography, an annual physical exam by your personal physician and monthly breast self-examination (BSE) is considered the best way to detect breast cancer early and save women’s lives.
At Hoag and Newport Imaging Center, all mammograms are performed by female technologists who have special training and licensing from the state of California. All of our centers are inspected annually by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to ensure that we comply with the regulations of the Mammography Quality Standards Act.
The type of mammogram that your physician orders will depend on your history and any symptoms that you may have.
- A screening mammogram is performed on women who have no signs or symptoms of disease. Typically, two images of each breast are taken. Larger-breasted women may require additional images.
- A diagnostic mammogram is performed on women or men who have a symptom, such as a lump, pain or a nipple discharge, or a personal history of breast cancer. Diagnostic mammography also is performed when a screening mammogram shows an area that needs a more detailed look. The type and number of views taken will be customized to your situation.
- Implant “push-back” views may be added to either type of mammogram, for women who have breast implants. These special views are taken to reveal as much breast tissue as possible by gently maneuvering the implant out of the way.
For screening mammograms, you will be in the center for approximatley 30 minutes. For diagnostic exams, you may be at the center for up to one hour.
Side effects and complications
Generally, no complications occur. Very rarely, some soreness or bruising may occur for a short time.
Follow-up care
The mammography exam itself requires no follow-up care. Your physician will receive a report of your examination within one week, and you will receive a letter describing results within one month. If the radiologist makes a recommendation for any further imaging, you may be contacted by our office within a week.
You will be given a gown to wear during your exam. At that time, you will be asked to cleanse your breasts and underarm area so that it is free of any powder, deodorant or antiperspirant. Particles from those materials may mimic calcifications on the images, so this cleansing step is extremely important for accurate imaging.
We encourage pre-menopausal women to schedule a screening mammogram during the two weeks following the menstrual cycle. Many women’s breasts are less tender then, thereby reducing the possibility of discomfort during the mammogram.
While X-rays at this dosage are generally safe, unborn fetuses are more vulnerable to cell damage from them. If you are pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, we can modify the exam or postpone it if necessary. The radiologist and/or your physician will make that decision.