Do not be alarmed if more than four views are obtained - this is part of a comprehensive examination, and does not mean there is something wrong. A female radiologic technologist will have you stand next to the x-ray machine and position your breast between two plates. The plates are then brought together to compress the breast as much as possible - this compression may be uncomfortable, but it lasts less than 10 seconds per view, and it's very important. Vigorous compression allows us to better visualize the breast tissue, and it minimizes the amount of radiation needed to obtain the image. Breast sensitivity varies from person to person, and can vary even in the same individual based on the menstrual cycle.
Some women are concerned about radiation exposure.
We are accredited by the American College of Radiology, which means our equipment meets the most rigorous safety standards, and our radiologists and technical staff have special training in breast imaging. Your films are reviewed by a board-certified radiologist, and a written report is sent to your physician as soon as it's available. We will mail you a letter stating in general terms what your mammogram shows, but you should contact your physician both to discuss the results in greater detail and to arrange for follow-up care. Our clinical breast specialist, who is a nurse, can answer any other questions you may have about breast health. The Center has literature covering topics from nutritional guidelines for decreasing the risk of cancer to how to become a breast cancer advocate.