Mammography

Digital Mammography Vancouver Radiologists, P.C. is proud to not only be a regional leader in mammography services, accredited by the American College of Radiology or (ACR) with state of the art digital and computer aided technologies for mammography; but also to have on staff radiologists and technologists who have achieved the highest standard of expertise through national certifications and specialties. Among our radiologists, you will find breast imaging fellowship trained and board certified physicians. Our mammography and ultrasound technologists are certified members of American Registered Radiological Technologists with specialties in Mammography and Sonography. In addition, our ultrasound sonographers are members of American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography with several being certified in breast sonography.

Vancouver Radiologists is fully digital!

In 2004, Vancouver Radiologists, P.C. made a dramatic change in how we perform mammograms. We decided to take the practice digital, eliminating the old film screen system entirely. The advantage to the patient is sharper image quality giving the radiologist the best possible detail allowing faster, more accurate results with less wait time for the patient. Improving patient care is our number one priority. Digital mammography is our standard.

Vancouver Radiologists is Southwest Washington’s only Softer Mammogram Provider!

Vancouver Radiologists is proud to offer our patients the high tech, soft touch mammogram. We offer all patients digital mammograms which now include the MammoPad breast cushion. Digital mammography is the latest technology in the fight aganist breast cancer and MammoPad is a soft, foam pad that creates a cushion between you and the mammography machine. So you can relax, knowing your mammogram will be warm and comfortable with confident results.

We hope you’ll take advantage of our high tech, soft touch mammography by making an appointment. Call 360-944-XRAY to schedule your soft touch mammogram today!

What is Mammography?

A mammogram is a low dose x-ray study of the breast tissue. The purpose of a mammogram is to identify any potential sites of breast cancer in the earliest stages of development, when most successfully treated. Mammography can often detect breast cancer years before a lump in the breast can be felt, and is capable of identifying breast cancers earlier than physical examinations alone. Annual mammograms are recommended by the American Cancer Society for women who are 40 or more years of age, or women at high-risk for breast cancer, including those with a family history of same.

There are two types of mammograms: A screening mammogram and a diagnostic mammogram. A screening mammogram is a quick exam for women who have no breast symptoms. A diagnostic mammogram is intended to "problem solve" for women who currently have a breast symptom, or when an initial screening mammogram reveals an abnormality or suspicious area.

Preparing for a Mammogram

We recommend that a patient scheduled for a mammogram dress comfortably in a two-piece outfit to make it easy to undress from the waist up.
Refrain from using any powder, deodorant or lotion on the underarm area or breasts prior to an exam because these products may interfere with the images taken of the breasts.
The best time to schedule a mammogram is 7 - 10 days after the first day of menstrual period. The breasts will be less tender at that time.

During a Mammogram

At Vancouver Radiologists' office, a female Mammography Technologist will perform the mammogram.

Each breast will be firmly positioned between two plates on the mammography machine. Exams generally include two views of each breast, but more views are often obtained. After the initial screening has been performed it is quite common for a woman to be called back for what is known as “Additional Views”. Additional views assist the radiologist in ensuring a thorough mammographic screening has been conducted.

Women may experience some discomfort during a mammogram as the breasts are compressed, in an effort to visualize as much breast tissue as possible. This discomfort will usually subside when the exam is complete.

After a Mammogram

A staff radiologist will review and interpret the mammogram images. Results are forwarded to the primary care provider indicating whether or not further work up is being requested. If further imaging is recommended, you will be contacted by your physician or the breast care coordinator at the request of your physician.

Breast Ultrasound

Ultrasound “waves” are used to produce an image of the breast that compliments the mammogram when additional imaging is desired. No radiation is involved and the exams are typically painless. Breast ultrasound can assist in the diagnostic evaluation of breast tissue and is often used to assist in distinguishing between fluid and solid and variations of densities commonly found in the breast.

FNA/Core Biopsy

Rounding out the services available in breast care, Vancouver Radiologists, P.C. is able to provide the next step in breast evaluation; the fine needle aspiration (FNA) and the core biopsy (CB) so you can complete your diagnostic work up with the staff, technicians, breast care coordinator and radiologists they have come to trust and rely on.

FNA and CB are recommended to provide fluid and tissue analysis for those situations when the screening, diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound studies that do not provide the complete data and evaluation the radiologist desires.

If a FNA or CB is recommended, you will be contacted by one of the members of your health care team with a detailed explanation of the procedure and the goals for outcome.

Other Helpful Sites

For more information on this topic, please visit www.Radiologyinfo.org.

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