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A screening mammogram is performed on women with no symptoms to detect abnormalities of the breasts. Four x-ray pictures, two of each breast are taken on a dedicated x-ray machine. To obtain the best possible images with the least radiation special film is used and the breasts are compressed briefly. The exam takes approximately one half hour. The 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. It is not uncommon for a radiologist to ask the technologist to perform special or additional x-ray pictures or a breast ultrasound to see an area better. Additional images are not always the sign of a serious problem. The interpretation of the films will be sent to your doctor and you will receive a letter with the results of your mammogram. Screening mammograms, performed at several Rhode Island Medical Imaging facilities are sent to our Breast Imaging Center at the Randall Square facility for interpretation and all additional imaging and diagnostic evaluations are performed at our Breast Imaging Center at Randall Square where there is always a radiologist who specializes in breast imaging on the premises. It is important for the radiologist to compare your current mammogram with your prior mammogram. If your prior films were not obtained at Rhode Island Medical Imaging, please bring them with you to your appointment or tell the scheduler where they were taken, so that we may obtain them in time for your appointment. |
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Preparation:Do not wear any powder or deodorant under the arms or around the breast area. |
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Locations for Screening Mammography: |
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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. |
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Preparation:Do not wear any powder or deodorant under the arms or around the breast area. |
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Locations for Screening Mammography: |
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