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Mammography and Breast Health
What is the Suite for Women’s Imaging? The Suite for Women’s Imaging at Norwalk Radiology and Mammography Center is a unique concept of centralizing women’s imaging services into one area that has been designed with women’s comfort, privacy, and convenience in mind. The suite offers Digital Mammography with Computer Aided Detection, Bone Density Testing (DEXA) for bone health assessment and osteoporosis screening, and women’s ultrasound. Designed for women, the suite provides access to the most advanced services available in women’s imaging within a spa-like environment. A mammogram is a special low-dose x-ray of the breast that provides detailed images to help diagnose breast cancer and other conditions of the breast. Mammography can detect 85-90% of breast cancers, and can detect a lump up to two years before it can be felt. A screening mammogram is an x-ray examination of the breasts in a woman who has no complaints or symptoms of breast disease. The goal of screening is to find breast cancers, which are too small to feel, before they spread. Early detection improves a woman’s chance for successful treatment, if a breast cancer is found. Early detection can save lives. A diagnostic mammogram is an x-ray of the breast, in a woman with breast symptoms. For example, if a woman has a lump or a mass, a discharge from the nipple, or breast pain, the mammogram examination will be specially tailored to that complaint. In a diagnostic examination, several additional views may be obtained, in addition to the routine views. In some instances, ultrasound will also be used to obtain further diagnostic information. Our board-certified radiologists use the mammogram to help find tumors that are much too small for you or your doctor to feel on physical examination. With annual mammography, many breast tumors are detected early, before they have a chance to spread. This provides the best chance for complete cure. The American Cancer Society, the American College of Radiology, and the American Medical Association recommend the following guidelines for screening mammography:
These are only guidelines, and may change based on your clinical history. Monthly breast self-examination for women age 20 and older is essential for the early detection of breast cancer. If you have a first degree relative (a mother, sister or grandmother) who developed breast cancer prior to menopause, we recommend that you have your first mammogram 10 years prior to the age at which that person developed breast cancer, and every year thereafter. Why Should I Have My Mammogram Performed At Norwalk Radiology And Mammography Center?
Norwalk Radiology and Mammography Center was opened 18 years ago with mammography as an area of special focus and expertise. Since that time, we have developed into the preeminent and largest mammography facility in Fairfield County. Our mammography patients receive comprehensive and individualized mammography exams. Our Board Certified Radiologists have special expertise and maintain ongoing medical education in mammography and must meet the strict credentialing requirements of Norwalk Hospital. Our female technologists have advanced certification in mammography and must participate in continuing education programs in mammography. Our mammography services are fully accredited by the American College of Radiology and certified by the Federal Government (FDA) under the Mammography Quality Standards Act (1992). What Can I Expect During A Mammogram?
In a typical screening mammogram, each breast is examined separately, with two views of each breast:
During a mammogram, the breast is compressed between two plastic plates, which may cause temporary discomfort in some women. The compression lasts no more than a few seconds and does not harm the breast. Compression is necessary for the following reasons:
How Long Will My Mammogram Take? A routine screening exam generally takes 15 minutes, or less for a routine digital screening exam. When Is An Ultrasound Performed And Why Is It Used? Breast ultrasound uses sound waves, rather than x-rays to image the breast. If a mammogram film shows a mass, or if there is a palpable lump on the breast, this study is performed to determine if the mass is cystic or solid. Sometimes, an ultrasound can help suggest whether or not a mass is suspicious. Ultrasound does not use radiation. It is often the first breast-imaging test in women under the age of 35 with a palpable finding. Ultrasound may also be helpful in assessing breast pain. Ultrasound does not replace mammography, but can be used in conjunction with Mammography to obtain additional diagnostic information. Yes, but be sure to have your mammogram at fully accredited facility that uses low dose technology. Norwalk Radiology and Mammography Center uses state of the art equipment with the lowest possible dose techniques. All of our interpreting Radiologists are Board-Certified by the American College of Radiology and our technologists have advanced certification to perform mammography. Our center is certified by the FDA under the Mammography Quality Standards Act of 1992 and accredited by the American College of Radiology. Do I Need A Referral (Prescription)? Although most patients are referred by their physician, you may schedule a mammogram without a referral (prescription). Please be aware that this is subject to the requirements of your insurance carrier or HMO, so check with them first to verify the applicable rules and coverage. The results of your exam will be sent to your physician. If you have had mammograms in the past at any other facility, you will be asked to bring the films with you to your scheduled exam. Why Do You Need My Old Mammograms? Just as a person’s fingerprints are unique, so too are a person’s breasts. What is normal in one person may be abnormal in another. The best way for the radiologist to know that a mammogram is normal is to confirm stability from year to year. When Will I Know The Results Of My Mammogram?
Why Would The Radiologist Order A Follow-Up Mammogram In Six Months, Rather Than A Year? If you have a condition that appears benign, our radiologists may recommend a six- month follow-up examination, to more closely monitor the condition and to confirm stability. Does A Mammogram Find All Breast Cancer? Mammography is the best test available, but it is not perfect. Between 10-15% of breast cancers may not show up on a mammogram. (But 85-90% do!) This makes breast self examination very important. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask us, or your doctor. The best way to detect breast cancer early is with combination of tests: your self-examination, your doctor’s examination, and frequent mammography. What Do The Terms "Fatty Breast" And "Dense Or Fibrocystic Breast" Mean? The breast is composed of glandular tissue and adipose, or "fatty" tissue. Each woman has a unique combination of fatty and glandular tissue, predominantly related to her genetic makeup. However, as a patient ages, or gains substantial weight, she may develop more fat in the breasts. "Dense" or "fibrocystic" refer to how much glandular tissue is present in the breast. The more you have, the denser it will appear on the mammogram and feel with the physical examination. This is predominantly a genetic trait and not related to diet or other factors, and affects 50 to 60 percent of all women. "Fibrocystic changes" are a benign condition of the breast and range from a lumpy bumpy feeling on physical examination, to cyst (fluid filled sac) formation within the breast. The breasts may become fuller and more tender the week or so before menstruation. Some women have severe tenderness, swelling or even pain off and on all month. Some nutritionists feel that nicotine and caffeine may worsen the symptoms. A low-fat diet, and vitamins E and B6 may provide relief, in some patients. We suggest you discuss this with your doctor. What Are Breast Microcalcifications? Microcalcifications are tiny deposits of calcium in the breast, usually of varying shape, size and location. Although breast calcifications are usually benign, changes in the pattern, or new calcifications may indicate the presence of a small or developing breast cancer, or even a pre-cancerous condition. If calcifications are stable from year to year, or clearly benign, no biopsy is necessary. In other cases, a radiologist may recommend a biopsy to determine the cause of the calcifications. What Is A Solid Lump Or Nodule? A solid lump or nodule refers to a mass within the breast that contains solid tissue. A lump or nodule could represent a rounded clump of normal tissue, a fibroadenoma (a benign tumor), or possibly a malignancy. These conditions often require further evaluation, such as ultrasound or biopsy. What If I Find A Lump While I Am Pregnant? If you find a lump or a mass, do not ignore it. See your physician. Often an ultrasound (which uses harmless sound waves, rather than x-rays) can be performed for initial evaluation. If a mammogram is necessary, it is usually safe for the fetus, especially after the 14th week of pregnancy, with the abdomen shielded by a lead apron. Can I Have A Mammogram While I Am Nursing? If you have a breast lump, or other problem, it is safe to have a mammogram, or an ultrasound during lactation/ nursing, to evaluate the problem. If you are scheduled for a routine, or screening examination, it is best to wait approximately six months after terminating nursing. This allows the changes in the breast from pregnancy and nursing to resolve. What If I Have Breast Implants? According to the latest literature, breast implants neither increase nor decrease a woman’s risk of breast cancer. Women with implants should obtain a mammogram, according to the same recommendations as women without breast augmentation. Women who have implants do require specialized views, called Eklund or displacement views, where the implants are gently pushed back to visualize as much breast tissue as possible. The risk of rupturing the implant is minimal. A breast biopsy means removing breast tissue for examination under the microscope. It is the only definitive way to diagnose the nature of a breast mass/lump or calcification. Approximately 80% of breast biopsies are benign. A biopsy may require surgery (excisional biopsy), however, most breast biopsies can be accurately performed by placing a specially designed needle into the suspicious area (stereotaxic core needle biopsy). For more information on stereotaxic core needle biopsy you can visit Mammotome. There are several ways to perform a breast biopsy. If you need a breast biopsy, we can help you find a breast specialist who can advise you on which method is the best for your individual condition. What Should I Do to Prepare for a Mammogram Exam? No specific preparation is required. Please do not use powders, talc, lotion or deodorant on the breast and in the underarm area. For your comfort and convenience, two piece outfits are recommended. If you have had mammograms in the past at any other facility, you will be asked to bring the films with you to your scheduled exam. Where Can I Find Additional Information on the Internet About Mammogram Exams?
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At a time when many mammography centers are closing due to low reimbursements, we have made a commitment to provide the highest quality mammography service to our patients. We offer Digital Mammography with Computer Aided Detection(CAD), the latest technology in breast imaging, and provide the professional expertise so that our patients can be confident that they are receiving the best care possible.
You will be asked to undress from the waist up and change into a gown. A specially trained female technologist will then position you for the exam.
Once your exam is complete, a Radiologist will carefully evaluate the images and meticulously compare your current mammogram with prior exams in looking for any slight change. If your mammogram is normal you will be contacted directly by mail with your normal results, and your physician will receive a written report. Should you need any additional imaging to clarify a finding on your mammogram, we will call you within 3 business days of your mammogram to schedule a follow-up appointment. At the follow-up appointment, the Radiologist will ensure that all necessary studies are performed to develop a conclusion, and we will discuss the findings with you before you leave. The results will also be given to you in writing, and your physician will receive a written report.
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148 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851 • Phone: (203) 838-4886