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Mammography
The Abington-Jefferson Advantage
- Breast Imaging Center of Excellence Award, American College of Radiology
- National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers Award, American College of Surgeons
- Recognized by Susan G. Komen Foundation for our excellent care
- All breast imaging facilities are accredited by the American College of Radiology
Image guided breast biopsies are performed by specially trained interventional breast radiologists at the Mary T. Sachs Breast Center and at Lansdale Hospital. Preoperative needle localizations prior to excisional biopsies are performed by specialized radiologists at the Mary T. Sachs Breast Center, Lansdale Hospital and Abington Memorial Hospital.
A Fast Track Program for patients requiring image guided biopsies is available at all Abington Health sites. This program includes individual patient consultations with radiologists, a nurse navigator and a nurse coordinator at the time of a suspicious diagnosis and provides expedited scheduling for pre procedure surgical consultations prior to image guided biopsies.
We have one of the largest volumes for breast imaging procedures in the Delaware Valley. Our teams of highly competent professionals including technologists, nurses, clerical staff and physicians are dedicated to providing excellent, comprehensive, compassionate care to all.
What is 3D Mammography?
3D Mammography, also known as digital breast tomosynthesis, is the latest technology in mammography. It allows the breast to be viewed as a computer-generated set of images. Multiple images are reconstructed from a series of low-dose exposures. These images are obtained during the same compression as previous standard two-dimensional mammographic views. This combination of obtaining two dimensional and tomosynthesis images together is quick; most people will not experience any difference between traditional digital mammography and DBT.
3D 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 3D mammography, which 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.
What are the benefits of tomosynthesis over traditional digital mammography?
Numerous studies have confirmed that tomosynthesis has improved the detection rate for breast cancer and decreases the amount of times patients have to be called back for additional images. Tomosynthesis is superior in evaluating dense breast tissue compared to standard mammographic technology.
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.
When should I schedule my mammogram?
Before scheduling a mammogram, you should discuss problems in your breasts with your doctor. In addition, inform your doctor of hormone use, any prior surgeries, and family or personal history of breast cancer. Generally, the best time is one week following your period. Do not schedule your mammogram for the week before your period if your breasts are usually tender during this time. Always inform your x-ray technologist if there is any possibility that you are pregnant.
Breast Density and Breast Cancer Screening
Having dense breast tissue may increase your risk of getting breast cancer. Dense breasts also make it more difficult for doctors to spot cancer on mammograms. Dense tissue appears white on a mammogram. Lumps, both benign and cancerous, also appear white. So, mammograms can be less accurate in women with dense breasts. Please click here for more information on breast density.
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.
What should I expect during this exam?
To image your breast, a x-ray technician will position you near the machine and your breast will be placed on a platform and compressed with a paddle. Breast compression increases the accuracy of interpretation and reduces the dose of radiation to the breast. Breast compression is necessary in order to:
- Even out the breast thickness – so that all of the tissue can be visualized.
- Spread out the tissue – so that small abnormalities won’t be obscured.
- Allow use of a lower x-ray dose.
- Hold the breast still – to eliminate blurring of the image caused by motion.
- Reduce x-ray scatter – to increase picture sharpness.
The technologist will go behind a glass shield while making the x-ray exposure. You will be asked to change positions slightly between views. The process is repeated for the other breast. Routine views are a top-to-bottom and side view.
What will I experience during the procedure?
The exam takes about a half an hour. The technologist will apply compression on your breast and, as a result, you will feel pressure on the breast as it is squeezed between two plates by the compressor. Some women with sensitive breasts may experience some minor discomfort. Be sure to inform the technologist if pain occurs as compression is increased. If discomfort is significant, less compression will be used.
For more information on this topic, please visit www.Radiologyinfo.org.
