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A diagnostic mammogram is performed on women who have a breast problem or symptom, such as a lump, nipple discharge or breast pain or as a follow up to an abnormal screening mammogram. The x-rays taken vary and are dedicated to the particular finding or problem. The mammogram is performed on a dedicated x-ray machine using special film that is designed to provide the best possible pictures with the least amount of radiation. To achieve this, the breast(s) is/are compressed briefly during the exam. The length of the exam varies. Depending on the findings of the diagnostic mammogram a breast ultrasound may follow. The diagnostic mammogram is performed by a technologist who has an advanced training and certification in breast imaging. After the x-rays are obtained, they are reviewed and interpreted by a board certified radiologist, who specializes in breast imaging. All Rhode Island Medical Imaging facilities are accredited in mammography by The American College of Radiology and are inspected yearly by the FDA.
All diagnostic mammograms are performed at our Breast Imaging Center at Randall Square, where there is always a radiologist who specializes in breast imaging on the premises. The radiologist will be available to answer any questions you may have.
It is important for the radiologist to compare your current films with any prior films you may have had. If your previous mammogram was not performed at Rhode Island Medical Imaging, please bring the films with you to your appointment or tell the scheduler where they were taken, so that we can obtain them in time for your appointment.
Two recent enhancements to traditional mammography include digital mammography and computer-aided detection.
Digital mammography, also called full-field digital mammography (FFDM), is a mammography system in which the x-ray film is replaced by solid-state detectors that convert x-rays into electrical signals. These detectors are similar to those found in digital cameras. The electrical signals are used to produce images of the breast that can be seen on a computer screen or printed on special film similar to conventional mammograms. From the patient's point of view, digital mammography is essentially the same as the screen-film system.
See "Full-Field Digital Mammography: A Potential Alternative to the Traditional Film-Screen Technique?" under the News heading for more information on how FFDM works and its potential advantages.
Computer-aided detection (CAD) systems use a digitized mammographic image that can be obtained from either a conventional film mammogram or a digitally acquired mammogram. The computer software then searches for abnormal areas of density, mass, or calcification that may indicate the presence of cancer. The CAD system highlights these areas on the images, alerting the radiologist to the need for further analysis.
Do not wear any powder or deodorant under the arms or around the breast area.
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