Mammography at MRHC
What is Mammography?
Mammography, also known as a mammogram, is the examination of the breast using x-rays. Mammography is considered the most effective tool for early breast tumor detection. Most medical experts agree that successful treatment of breast cancer often is linked to early diagnosis. Mammography plays a central part in early detection of breast cancers because it can show changes in the breast up to two years before a patient or physician can feel them.
Our Practice uses digital mammography. Also known as a full-field digital mammography, digital mammography allows the radiologist to alter the orientation, magnification, brightness and contrast to produce images of the breast that can be seen on a computer screen. Computer-aided detection, or CAD, uses a digitized mammographic image to search for abnormal areas of density, mass, or calcification that may indicate the presence of cancer. The CAD system highlights these areas on the images, alerting the need for further analysis.
How often should I have a mammogram?
Current guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the American Cancer Society (ACS), the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American College of Radiology (ACR) recommend screening mammography every year for women, beginning at age 40.
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) recommends that women who have had breast cancer and those who are at increased risk due to a genetic history of breast cancer should seek expert medical advice about whether they should begin screening before age 40 and about the frequency of screening.
How should I prepare for a mammogram?
On the day of the exam:
Do not wear lotion, deodorant, or powder under your arms or on your breasts
Describe any problems you’re experiencing with your breasts with your technologist
Remove all jewelry and clothing from the waist up. You will be given a gown that opens in the front.
Genius 3D Mammography Exam
What should I expect during my exam?
The Genius exam is very similar to having a conventional 2D mammogram. Like a 2D mammogram, the technologist will position you, compress your breast, and take images from different angles. There’s no additional compression required with a Genius exam, and it only takes a few seconds longer for each view. The technologist will view the images of your breasts at the computer workstation to ensure quality images have been captured for review. A radiologist will then examine the images and report results to either your physician or directly to you.
Who can have a Genius 3D MAMMOGRAPHY™ exam?
A Genius exam is approved for all women who would undergo a standard mammogram. Multiple clinical studies show that all women, regardless of breast type or density, benefit from a Genius exam.
What about radiation?
Very low x-ray energy is used during the exam, just about the same as a film-screen mammogram. The total patient dose of a Genius exam is within the FDA safety standards for mammography.
What is the difference between a screening and a diagnostic mammogram?
A screening mammogram is your annual mammogram that is done every year. Sometimes, the radiologist may ask you to come back for follow-up images, called a diagnostic mammogram, to rule out an unclear area in the breast, or if there is a breast complaint that needs to be evaluated. Please call our office to schedule your annual Genius 3D MAMMOGRAPHY™ exam. For additional information, please visit mygenius3d.com/faq.
Why a Genius 3D MAMMOGRAPHY™ exam?
A Genius exam detects 41% more invasive breast cancers and reduces false positives by up to 40%. This means one simple thing: more accuracy. The Genius exam is the first and only clinically superior breast tomosynthesis exam as approved by the FDA. The Genius exam allows doctors to see masses and distortions associated with cancers significantly more clearly than conventional 2D mammography. Instead of viewing all of the complexities of your breast tissue in a flat image, as with conventional 2D mammography, fine details are more visible and no longer hidden by the tissue above or below.
