Screening Mammography at American Radiology
What is a Screening Mammogram?
Mammography is a type of low-dose X-ray of the breasts. It reveals masses and micro-calcifications within and around the breast that may indicate breast problems, including but not just limited to cancer.
Experts recommend a screening mammogram annually to increase the chance of early breast cancer detection and treatment. Women who qualify for annual screening mammograms should continue to undergo screening mammography as long as they are in good health.
Who is a Candidate For a Screening Mammogram?
- Women 40 years of age or older
- Women at high-risk for breast cancer can begin at age 30
Prior to your annual screening mammogram, you will be asked a series of questions to determine your risk for breast cancer. Learn more about risk assessment here.
High-Risk Patients:
- You or an immediate family member have the gene mutation, BRCA1 or BRCA2
- Received radiation therapy to the chest/thorax when they were between the ages of 10 and 30
Prior To Your Exam
If you did not get your last mammogram with us, please obtain your previous mammogram images and reports. Please either bring them with you to your appointment or have them sent to our office. *This is not required if you came to our facility previously.
How to Prepare For a Screening Mammogram?
DO NOT use any powders, talc, sprays or deodorants on your breast or in your underarm area before your exam.
How is a Screening Mammogram Procedure Performed?
- A technologist will position you standing at the mammography machine and place your breast over the receptor.
- The machine applies moderate compression to your breast for a few seconds to obtain the clearest image.
- The 3D Mammography machine moves in an arc over the breast, taking many X-rays from different angles. The X-ray can generally take 11 images in 7 seconds. A computer then processes the images to form a clear 3D image. The whole procedure may take around 30 minutes.
- When you SAY YES to Enhanced Breast Cancer Detection (EBCD), no additional radiation or time during your visit is required. You safely gain the benefit of state-of-the-art screening with the incorporation of artificial intelligence on your exam.
- During your exam, you will be able to communicate with the technologist who will be assessing the quality of the images for the interpreting radiologist.
What to Expect After a Screening Mammogram?
- You can leave immediately and resume normal activities.
- Your exam will be read by a board-certified, sub-specialized radiologist who has undergone additional training in women’s imaging interpretation.
- Results will then be sent to your ordering health care provider.
- If the radiologist requires additional imaging to interpret your study, then you will receive a call to come back for a diagnostic mammography exam.
American Radiology offers Screening Mammograms at multiple locations in Charles County and Calvert County, making it easier for you to access this important screening exam. Schedule your next annual Screening Mammogram at American Radiology.
