Mammography FAQ

Q: Do I need a doctor’s order(prescription) for my mammogram?
A: Yes. You must visit your referring physician for a clinical breast exam and obtain a prescription for your mammogram.

If you are returning for a three (3) or six (6) month follow-up appointment recommended by the radiologist, you will need a prescription from your referring physician. If you are returning as a “call-back” for additional views, a physician referral is required.

Q: Can I schedule another procedure on the same day as my Mammogram?
A: Yes.  Many of our patients schedule back to back routine screening exams, such as a bone densitometry study, a mammogram, and an ultrasound.  A bone density study is often done in conjunction with mammography as part of a referring physician’s health screening program since osteoporosis is an increasing area of concern, especially for women.  A physician order for each of the exams is required.

Q: How long will it take for a mammogram and a bone density study?
A: For a screening mammogram you should allow approximately 15-20 minutes. For a bone density study, allow approximately 15 minutes.

Q: How often should I get a mammogram?
A: Our facility follows the American Cancer Society’s recommendations for mammograms. However you should consult with your referring physician about when to start and how often you should have a mammogram.

Q: Why do I need to obtain my old mammogram films?
A: The radiologist will compare the prior images for any changes. If any questionable areas are noted on your current mammogram, the radiologist may need to investigate the areas further to see if they were present on the prior images and are currently stable. If the radiologist requires the prior images and they are not available, the radiologist may recommend additional imaging be performed.

Q: Why do I have to complete paperwork each time I come in?
A: This is necessary to ensure our records are current and that no changes took place in your personal or family history since the last time we saw you.

Q: What if I have breast implants?
A: If you have breast implants, inform the scheduler when you make your appointment.  Our technologist and radiologist are experienced in imaging and interpreting patients with implants.  Due to the implant, several special views must be taken to allow visualization of both the breast tissue and the implant. Patients with implants should always inform the technologist performing the exam that they have implants.

Q: When will my doctor get the mammogram results?
A: Your screening mammogram will be interpreted by the radiologist within twenty-four (24) hours after your exam. The report will be sent immediately to your physician. Your diagnostic mammogram will be reviewed immediately following your exam and the results discussed with you and sent to your physicians within 24 hours.

The time period and process of interpreting your mammogram can be compromised by the absence of your prior mammogram images. If you are a new patient, please be certain your prior mammogram film/images/CDs are made available to us at least two weeks prior to the date of your exam.

Q: Does a mammogram take the place of a manual breast examination?
A: No. The best chance for early detection of breast cancer is to combine periodic mammograms with manual breast examination by an experienced doctor. The manual exam and the mammogram complement one another to offer the most comprehensive defense against breast cancer. You should also continue your monthly self examinations.

Q: What is a cyst?
A: Cysts are harmless accumulations of fluid in the breast (or other tissue or organs).  Cysts do not become cancer or increase the risk of cancer.

Q: What are calcifications?
A: Calcifications (also called microcalcifications) are mineral deposits in the breast that may be caused by dried-up secretions, trauma, reabsorbed blood, or dead tissue cells. Dietary calcium levels do not have any relationship to breast calcifications. If a woman has calcifications in the breast she may continue calcium supplements which can be helpful in preventing bone loss, osteoporosis and fracture. Calcifications are not equivalent to cancer, but do signal changes within the breast. Certain patterns of calcifications can be associated with cancer or benign breast disease.

Q: What is a Fibroadenoma (FA)?
A: Fibroadenoma is the most common benign, solid growth in breasts. A Fibroadenoma is round, movable and firm. A Fibroadenoma has no significant risk of becoming cancer and does not put a patient at increased risk of breast cancer.

Q: What is Fibrocystic breast change?
A: Fibrocystic breast change is single or multiple lumps in the breasts. The lumps are often harmless and quite common. Fibrocystic disease, is a term that is often misused in breast cancer screening, and can only be diagnosed after a biopsy or needle aspiration of the lumps. Fibrocystic change in most women is common.

Q: What if I am called back for more images?
A: Often women are distressed to be called back for a diagnostic mammogram after their screening mammogram.  Most of these recalls have negative results. If a “call-back” is required, we will make every effort to contact you between 24-48 hours after the screening exam.

It may be comforting to know the approximate statistics of these “call-backs” nationally. Of every 1,000 U.S. women who are screened, about 7% (70) will be called back for a diagnostic session (although some studies estimate the percentage to be higher). About 10 of these individuals will be referred for a biopsy with the remaining 60 found to be benign.  Of the 10 referred for biopsy, about 3.5 will have a cancer and 6.5 will not. Of the 3.5 who do have cancer, about 2 have a low stage cancer that will be essentially cured after treatment.

Q: What if I am recommended for a biopsy?
A: Don’t panic! While imaging tests like a mammogram and breast ultrasound can find a suspicious area, they cannot tell whether the area is cancer. A biopsy is the only way to determine if an area is cancerous. A biopsy involves removing some cells from the suspicious area for review under a microscope. A biopsy can be done using a needle or with surgery to remove part of or the entire tumor. The type of biopsy depends on the size and location of the lump or area. The American Cancer Society web site (link to ) is an excellent resource to learn more about the different types of breast biopsies.