Mammography

What Every Woman Should Know

What Is Mammography?

Mammography is a safe, low dose x-ray technique that's used to create an image of the breast. It is the best way currently available to detect cancerous changes, years before either a woman or her physician can feel a lump. It can often indicate whether or not a lump is cancerous (most are not). A biopsy is needed for confirmation.

Some Preparations/Suggestions

Before you have a mammogram, keep these tips in mind:

1. Don't use deodorant, talcum powder, perfumes, oil or any other ointment or cream on your breasts or underarms before the exam. They leave a residue that can be picked up by the x-rays, obscuring the mammogram.
2. Dress comfortably, preferably in a 2-piece outfit, such as a skirt or slacks and blouse, since you will undress above the waist for the exam.
3. PLEASE STOP ALL CAFFEINE INGESTION ONE TO TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO YOUR APPOINTMENT. Caffeine can make your breasts tender and lumpy. This makes your mammogram more uncomfortable. If stopping caffeine abruptly causes you to have a headache, decrease it gradually. Things which contain caffeine are: coffee and tea (except decaffeinated), soft drinks, including diet drinks, chocolate and medicines such as Anacin, Excedrin, Nodoz and Midol. Do not stop prescription drugs whether they contain caffeine or not.

Where Do I Go ?

Enter Corning Hospital and follow the signs to the outpatient receptionist. Necessary information will be obtained and you will be given directions to the Breast Care Center. (Visits to the Breast Care Center are by appointment only, to keep waiting time to a minimum).

The Basic Procedure For Mammography

The examination is simple, and if no diagnostic procedures are required your appointment should be less than one hour.

Here's what will happen:

• Undressing - You will be asked to undress above the waist.
• Body Positioning - The mammographer will position you at the machine. Depending on the view to be taken, you will sit or stand in a certain position.
• Breast Positioning- the mammographer will position your breast on the machine. Your breasts will be firmly compressed between two pieces of plastic. This firm compression is important to spread out the breast tissue and get the best possible view of the inside of your breasts with the least amount of radiation.

The mammographer works closely with the radiologist and other physicians. Care and safety of patients is of primary concern. Only female technologists staff The Breast Care Center.

Taking X-Rays - Each breast will be x-rayed from above and from the side. (Both breasts are x-rayed to compare images.)

• From above - a beam is sent from the x-ray machine above the breast to a specially treated plate beneath the breast.
• From the side - the beam is sent from the x-ray machine toward the side of the breast.

The resulting x-rays produce pictures of the breast that reveal any lump or abnormality that could indicate cancer.

Interpretation

The radiologist is a physician specializing in x-ray and radiation procedures. Radiologists at The Breast Care Center are certified by the American Board of Radiology.

The radiologist will study the x-rays and provide a preliminary report before you leave the Center. Later, a comprehensive final report will be sent to your physician.

The Advantages of Mammography

It provides early detection. It is the most accurate method for detecting early breast cancer. Overall, the accuracy rate is very high. Mammography is especially useful when a breast is very large, making lump detection more difficult.

Note: A negative mammogram does not rule out the presence of breast cancer. A persistent lump or any change should always be investigated.

Learning To Examine Your Breasts

A unique service of The Breast Care Center, one that sets it apart from the mammography testing offered by most hospitals, is a private consultation with a registered nurse specializing in breast care and breast self-examination instruction.

Following your mammogram, she will examine your breasts to detect any abnormalities and to teach you how to do breast self-exam (BSE).

You will also receive illustrated materials to help you continue monthly breast examinations at home.

Because We Care

The Breast Care Center at Corning Hospital is accredited by the American College of Radiology. We recommend the following reminders for the detection of breast changes:

• Monthly breast self-exam.
• Annual breast exam by your health care provider.
• Mammography according to the American Cancer Society guidelines: Have baseline mammogram by age 35-40, and yearly mammograms after age 40.

Health Education Index