~Patricia M.
Ultrasound Associates’ Mammographers
"Special kudos to Alla and Nora. They were both wonderful as always. Nora-What more can I say about her? I remember her from previous appointments and she is fabulous. Overall, what could have been an uncomfortable visit was a very positive one."
Introduction to Digital Mammography
Digital Mammography at Ultrasound Associates
Ultrasound Associates performs routine screening and diagnostic mammograms, as well as breast ultrasound, breast cyst aspiration and ultrasound guided biopsy’s. The diagnostic exams, called comprehensive mammograms, are performed when a woman has a breast lump or other abnormal symptoms of the breast.
If your doctor orders a diagnostic mammogram or you are called back for a more detailed exam, we will make every effort to schedule you as soon as possible. If additional images using ultrasound are necessary, we will perform them at the same appointment time and the radiologist will review all exam results while you wait and discuss the results before you leave.
As a woman-owned and -operated imaging facility, we understand the stress you are under during this time of uncertainty. We will make every effort to answer all of your questions and complete the diagnosis in a timely fashion.
Digital versus Film-Based Mammography
Ultrasound Associates uses full field digital mammography with the use of computer- aided detection (CAD) to screen and diagnose breast cancer. From the patient’s point of view, digital mammography is essentially the same as the film-based system. Mammograms are performed the same way. The amount of low dose radiation is the same. However, in the digital system, images are not captured on film but on an electronic receptor which converts the image into a digital picture for display on a computer monitor.
With digital mammography, the magnification, orientation, brightness and contrast of the image can be adjusted on the monitor to help the radiologist more clearly see areas of concern. A permanent record of all images is stored on a computer.
Mammography Image Comparison
Whether your prior mammogram was performed using standard film or digital mammography, a very important part of any mammogram is the comparison of your current images with those of past years. Ideally, both current and past images should be presented on the split monitor for close scrutiny and comparison by the radiologist.
As a new patient to our facility, you will be responsible for obtaining your prior records. If your prior mammograms were film-based, our film librarian will digitize and convert your old images before your exam.
Online Mammography Resources
There are several excellent informational resources devoted to women’s health and the topic of breast cancer. The following are among those we highly recommend:
www.womenshealth.gov
The FDA Office of Women’s Health maintains an excellent web site that explains the government MQSA regulations, facility certification and inspection, and other consumer information.
www.cancer.org
The American Cancer Society maintains a web site that addresses questions and answers on resources, treatment, prevention, research and statistics.
www.cancer.gov
The National Cancer Institute’s web site includes reporting on new research findings, explains the benefits of annual mammograms, and includes a free breast cancer risk assessment tool to calculate your risk of breast cancer.