|
Frequently Asked Questions About Mammograms
Women may schedule their annual screening mammograms without a healthcare provider's referral. We strive to meet your scheduling needs within one to two weeks for annual screening examinations.
Important: If you have felt a lump your breast, please see your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Your healthcare provider will need to order a diagnostic procedure. Requests for diagnostic procedures are scheduled with high priority.
Here are some FAQs about mammograms.
What is mammography?
How is my mammogram scheduled?
What happens during my mammogram?
How long does the mammogram take?
What happens after my mammogram?
What is mammography?
Mammography is an x-ray examination of your breasts. A mammogram is a procedure used to help find lumps in the breasts that might not be detected otherwise. [Return to top.]
How is my mammogram scheduled?
Either your healthcare provider's office will contact the Kearney Breast Center and arrange for an appointment time, or you can call and schedule your screening appointment. (For annual screening mammograms, you do not need a medical referral.) Please schedule your mammogram on a day of the month when your breasts are not tender. Be sure to check with your healthcare provider's office to clarify how to make arrangements for your mammogram. [Return to top.]
What happens during my mammogram?
You will be given a gown and asked to undress above the waist. You will then be positioned at the mammography machine. Your breast will be compressed between two plastic plates. This compression is necessary for the best imaging of your breast.
You may feel some discomfort, which will last only a few seconds. However, be sure to let our staff know if you are sensitive. We may be able to make adjustments that will help you feel more comfortable.
The x-rays will be taken from all angles of your breasts: top, bottom and sides. The technologist will check to be sure that the x-ray is clear before you get dressed, in case another x-ray needs to be taken. [Return to top.]
How long does the mammogram take?
A mammogram will take from 20 to 45 minutes. [Return to top.]
What happens after my mammogram?
A radiologist specially trained in mammography studies your mammogram and sends a written report to your healthcare provider. In most cases, the written report is sent within three working days.
Your healthcare provider will inform you of the results of your mammogram. You may be asked to return to the Kearney Breast Center for additional x-rays. This does not always mean an abnormality was found. Often, the radiologist sees an area that requires additional x-rays (such as a breast ultrasound) or other diagnostic procedures for a more thorough evaluation. If you have any questions about your mammography results, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider. [Return to top.]
Contact Us
Kearney Breast Center
200 NE Mother Joseph Place, Suite 420
Vancouver, WA 98665
360.514.6161 (Breast Center main number)
360.514.6164 (Nurse Navigator)
360.891.2642 (Radiologists)
360.213.9955 or 503.808.9803 (Southwest Medical Group Surgical Specialists)
360.989.3494 (Southwest Medical Group Plastic Surgery)
|
