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Mammography
Columbia
Park Medical Group's Mammography Department is
accredited by the American College of Radiology
and by the Mammography Quality Standards Act.
Mammography
is an x-ray examination of the breast. Our mammography
unit provides a very low dose of radiation. It
is safe and can be performed quickly. A mammogram
allows your physician to identify abnormalities
such as very small lumps, areas of calcification,
or changes in the ducts before these abnormalities
can be felt by a woman or her physician. Screening
mammography is the appropriate examination for
women over 35 who do not have significant breast
symptoms.
Who
should have a mammogram?
All
women should perform a breast self-examination
monthly. Women 40 years of age and older should
have a physical examination of their breast performed
yearly by a physician, physician assistant, nurse
or nurse practitioner.
Please
ask your physician or mammography technologist
for instructions on breast self-examination.
Exam
preparation
Do not wear deodorant, powder or creams on your
underarms or breast areas prior to having the
exam done. These items can simulate abnormalities
that could be interpreted by the radiologist as
an abnormality within your breast.
For your convenience, please wear a blouse since
you will need to undress only from the waist up.
Schedule your mammogram after your menstrual period
when your breasts are less tender.
About
the procedure
Once you have removed your clothing from the waist
up, you will be given a cape to wear. In performing
the mammography the technologist will position
your breasts in a special device that compresses
your breasts in order to achieve the best possible
result. This compression is uncomfortable but
should not be very painful. Occasionally one can
experience mild discomfort for a day after the
exam but this should not cause concern.
Typically,
two views of each breast are taken, one from above
and one from the side. This procedure takes only
a few minutes.
Your
Results
A board-certified radiologist interprets your
mammogram and both you and your physician should
receive the results in 2-3 working days (unless
additional time is required to obtain previous
films for comparison). In some cases the radiologist
needs extra views for a closer look at an area
in one or both breasts. We may call you and ask
that you come to our office for these additional
films. This does not mean you have cancer or need
a biopsy. In the majority of cases, the extra
views are all that is needed.
Previous
Films
If you have had a mammogram done previously at
another facility, these films will need to be
available at the time of your appointment.
Locations
Mammography services are available at our Brooklyn Park and Fridley Clinics.
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