Services

Digital Mammography

One in eight women will develop breast cancer sometime in her life. The stage at which breast cancer is detected directly influences a woman’s survival. An annual mammogram is one of your best defenses against breast cancer.

 

Rye Radiology’s Hologic Selenia Digital Mammography is the latest generation of 2D digital mammography equipment. Digital mammography uses specially designed digital detectors to produce an image that can be displayed on a high-resolution computer monitor and be stored and shared as easily as computer files.

 

Unlike film-based mammography, digital mammography produces images that appear on the technologist’s monitor in a matter of seconds. The results of your mammogram are given to you immediately after the completion of your exam. There is no wait for film to develop and less need for additional retakes, reducing the patient’s exposure to x-rays. When reading the results of a digital mammogram, the radiologist can manipulate the image to see the breast more clearly and magnify the images to evaluate micro calcifications and other subtle signs of early cancer. Digital mammography has become the standard for screening for breast cancer.

 

What Can You Do?
Rye Radiology recommends following these guidelines:

  • Have a baseline mammogram at the age of 35, then every 1 – 2 years depending on your risk factors until the age of 40. Very high risk patients (genetically positive for BRCA I or II gene or mother or sister with premenopausal breast cancer) may need earlier and more frequent screening.
  • If you are between the ages of 40-49, have a mammogram every year. Research has shown that there is more rapid growth of cancer cells in this age group.
  • If you are over the age of 50, have a mammogram yearly.
  • Perform a breast self-exam monthly.
  • Have your doctor perform a breast exam.
  • Patients with dense breasts will benefit from breast ultrasound in addition to mammography.
  • High-risk patients may also benefit from MRI of the breast.

 

See Your Doctor If:

  • You find a lump
  • You develop a nipple discharge
  • You notice any other change in your breast

 

How To Prepare For Your Digital Mammogram:

If your breasts are tender you may take 200 mg of Motrin/Ibuprofen eight hours before and then again one hour before your scheduled exam. (If you have a history of aspirin or Motrin allergy, do not take any medication).

 

Online Breast Cancer Risk Tools:
Harvard Center for Cancer Prevention – http://www.diseaseriskindex.harvard.edu/update/
National Cancer Institute- http://www.cancer.gov/bcrisktool