Mammography

Advanced imaging technology to accurately track breast health.

What is a mammogram?

The American Cancer Society recommends that all women 40 and over yearly begin having mammograms every one or two years to detect irregularities that could indicate breast cancer. A brief, simple procedure that uses a safe, low dose of radiation, your mammogram will provide you and your physician with the clearest picture of your breast health. Used in conjunction with your regular breast self exams, it will help you stay informed about changes in your body. With one in nine American women developing breast cancer during their lifetimes, it is an essential tool in the early detection- and successful treatment- of the disease.

If you are planning your first mammogram, keep in mind that the results will provide a baseline for future comparison. Your future mammograms will be compared to the original image to note any changes in your breast tissue.

New Technology for Earlier Detection of Breast Cancer

Freehold Radiology Group is pleased to announce the addition of Computer Aided Detection (CAD) to our mammography centers. Use of this important technology aids in the earlier detection of breast cancer by pinpointing tiny calcifications and masses that may require further medical investigation.

The CAD system assists radiologist by digitizing and analyzing mammograms for suspicious regions that may be indicative of cancer. The radiologist is then able to review the image twice, comparing the original mammogram to the CAD image. According to some studies, CAD technology has increased the detection rate by approximately 20%.

How should you prepare?

• No perfume, deodorants or powders under the arms or around the breasts on the day of the exam.
  WHY? Perfume, deodorants or powders can be detected on your mammography and would require the films to be repeated.
• If you have breast tenderness due to being premenstrual or in the being of your Menstrual cycle, you should schedule your appointment when your breast are not tender or a week after your menstrual cycle begins.
  WHY? Mammography involves compression of the breast tissue. If your breast are tender, you will have a tendency to limit the amount of compression.
• Please remember to bring all previous mammograms for comparison..
  WHY? Mammography should always be compared to determine any changes in the breast tissue. If your current study is not compared and an abnormal finding is detected, it will be considered a new finding and appropriate action will be recommended. Some abnormal findings when compared to previous studies could be determined by the radiologist as something that may have been previously in the breast which would aid in the final evaluation of your mammogram.