Below is a list of some frequently asked questions, but please feel free to contact us if you need additional information. We are always pleased to assist you.

What is mammography or mammogram?
A mammogram is an x-ray or radiograph of the human breast. The Radiologic Technologist (RT) utilizes low dose x-rays to produce these detailed images. A mammography is performed with the use of an x-ray system specifically designed to image the breast. Mammography aids in the early detection of breast cancer.

Why did my doctor order a mammography?
Your doctor ordered a mammography usually as part of your yearly check up for:

• Women 40 years of age and over.
• To compliment the doctor’s manual breast exam as well as the patient’s monthly manual exams.
• A doctor also orders mammography because he or she feels a lump or thickening in your breast.

Who performs and interprets my mammography?
Your mammogram will be performed by a qualified Radiologic Technologist (RT) licensed by New York State who is also qualified in performing mammography. Your mammogram will be interpreted by a Radiologist. A radiologist is a doctor specializing in radiology including such imaging modalities as mammography, MRI, ultrasound, nuclear medicine and CT. These doctors specialize in the imaging and diagnosis of disease. Interpretation of a mammography requires expertise in pattern recognition and in the identification of potential artifacts that may otherwise be mistake for pathology. All the radiologists at Mercy Medical Center are Board Certified by the American Board of Radiology and have years of experience in the imaging field.

How is a mammography performed?
The Radiologic Technologist (RT) will escort you to a dressing room where you will be instructed to remove all clothing from the waist up and to put a hospital gown on with the opening in the front. You will be asked if you wore power or deodorant, if so, you will be instructed to wash it off. (Powder and deodorant show up on the mammographic films). The technologist will go over a history form you would have filled out in the waiting room. Any scars, blemishes or moles will be recorded on this form. The technologist will also place adhesive markers on your nipples as well as moles and scars.
Your breasts will be carefully imaged one at a time in two different views. The breast tissue will be gently pulled on to the film and compressed with a paddle made of clear plastic. After all views are done the technologist will run your film through the processor. A radiologist will view the films taken and make a decision if you need more or different views of an ultrasound of the breast. Doing extra views or an ultrasound of the breast does not necessarily mean something is wrong. The radiologist may need more views or an ultrasound to assure he or she has enough information to give your and your doctor an accurate reading.

What should I do to prepare for the mammography?
To prepare for a mammography you must not wear any powder perfume or deodorant in the chest or under arm area. If this is not your very first mammography you must obtain your last set of mammography films, so the radiologist can compare them with the current exam.

What are the risks?
Mammography uses low dose ionizing radiation. The technologist are experts I utilizing the minimal dose to achieve optimal results. Lead shields are used and the mammography equipment is routinely inspected by the New York State Department of Health for safety. The mammography personnel as well as equipment are inspected and approved by the FDA (Food& Drug Administration) and ACR (American College of Radiology) and follow the guidelines of the MQSA (Mammography Quality Standards Act).

What are the alternatives?
There is no replacement for a mammography. Sometimes an ultrasound or MRI of the breast is done to compliment the mammography.

What happens with the results?
The radiologist will generate a written report, which will be sent to the doctor that referred you for the mammogram. Also you will receive a “layman’s term” letter from the Radiologist. This letter will tell you your results in terms you can understand. The mammogram and report become part of your medical record. The mammography is the property of the institution as are blood samples or biopsy slides. The original mammograms are loaned out to the patient if need be at no cost, but the patient is responsible to return originals so they can be used as comparison for the next time.