Mammography

Mammography is a simple X-ray examination of the breasts. The value of mammography lies in its ability to detect cancer in the breast when it is still very small – often too small to be felt and often too small to be detected any other way. At Montclair Radiology we have some of the most experienced radiologists and technologists in the area.

Digital Mammography

Montclair Radiology has brand new, state-of-the-art General Electric digital mammography units. All mammography uses x-rays to capture images of the breast. Digital equipment converts the information obtained from the x-ray to information which is accessible by computer. The radiologist interprets the images on a computer workstation. Some digital equipment includes CAD, or "computer-aided detection", which highlights areas in the breast deemed suspicious by the computer program. This increases the accuracy of the radiologist's reading.

Screening and Diagnostic Mammography

If you have no symptoms and no history of problems, your physician will order routine yearly screening mammography. A screening mammogram takes approximately fifteen minutes. After your films are finished, you may leave the office. The mammogram will be interpreted within twenty-four hours by an experienced, board-certified radiologist. If you require additional mammographic views or a breast ultrasound, we will contact you by telephone to return for this additional imaging as early as possible.

A diagnostic mammogram is performed if: the screening mammogram has questionable results, if you or your doctor feel a mass or other abnormality in your breast, if there is nipple discharge, skin change, and sometimes if you have a previous history of breast cancer or surgery. A diagnostic mammogram is closely monitored by the radiologist while you are undergoing the imaging, and the views are tailored to the problem at hand.

Preparation for Mammography

There is minimal preparation for a mammogram. Please do no wear talcum powder, perfume, or deodorant on the day of your examination as this can show on the images and appear as an abnormality.

Perhaps most importantly, please make every attempt to bring any previous mammograms with you on the day of your appointment so that your new films can be compared to the older examinations. Comparing to previous films decreases the number of additional views and callbacks for additional imaging.

What You Will Experience During a Mammogram

You will be asked to remove clothing from the waist up and stand in front of the x-ray machine. A good mammogram requires the breasts to be compressed between two plates. While this compression can be uncomfortable, it is only applied for a short time and is automatically released after the exposure is completed. Our technologists have been taught to maximize the degree of compression and at the same time minimize any discomfort.

Sometimes the radiologist may request that more films be taken so that an area may be seen more clearly, and therefore the technologist may return once or twice to take more films. Do not be alarmed by this, as it is a common occurrence and does not necessarily imply something is wrong.