Mammography - Gwinnett Medical Center Imaging

Forms Require Free Adobe Reader Software - download here if needed

What Is Mammography?

Mammography is the process of using X-ray images to examine the breasts. It is the single most effective tool for detecting breast cancer and other diseases.

Screening mammography is used as a preventive measure for women who show no symptoms of breast disease. A screening mammogram usually involves two views of each breast. Diagnostic mammograms involve additional views of the breast and are used when an abnormality is found during screening or in women who have breast complaints, such as a breast mass, nipple discharge, breast pain or skin irritation.

The Latest Technology

Every Gwinnett Medical Center Imaging location uses fully digital mammograms to provide the most accurate X-ray images and diagnoses.

Our digital mammograms convert X-ray beams into electronic signals that are then sent to a computer for one of our highly trained radiologists to review.

Gwinnett Medical Center also utilizes computer-aided detection (CAD) technology for all mammography exams. This new, state-of-the-art technology highlights areas on the mammogram that may be associated with cancer. By providing these highlights, CAD acts as a second pair of eyes for the radiologist.

Breast procedures offered at Gwinnett Medical Center Imaging Services:

• Digital mammogram screenings
  
• Digital diagnostic mammograms
  
• Breast MRIs
  
• Breast PET scans
  
• Breast CT scans
  
• Breast ultrasounds
  
• Ductograms
  
• Needle localizations
  
• Radioisotope injections
  
• Stereotactic core biopsies
  
• Ultrasound-guided core biopsies
  
• Ultrasound-guided fine needle cyst aspirations
  
• Vacuum-assisted biopsies

Other women’s imaging procedures:

• Bone densitometry and vertebral fracture assessments
  
• Gynecologic ultrasounds
  
• Obstetric ultrasounds
  
• Ovarian PET/CT scans
  
• Sonohysterograms
  
• Thyroid ultrasounds
  
• Thyroid PET/CT scans
  
• Thyroid SPECT/CT
  
• Uterine fibroid embolizations

Who Should Have a Mammogram?

The American Cancer Society and Gwinnett Medical Center recommend all women between the ages of 35 and 40 have a baseline screening mammogram.

Beginning at age 40, women should have an annual screening mammogram. In addition, women 40 and older with certain risk factors should discuss an appropriate screening program with their physician.

Risk Factors for Breast Cancer

Some of the known risk factors for breast cancer include:

• Family or personal history of breast cancer
  
• Early menstrual onset/late onset menopause
  
• Use of oral birth control medicine
  
• Use of hormone replacement therapy
  
• Alcohol use (two or more drinks per day)

Are Mammograms Painful?

While breast compression may cause some discomfort, it helps doctors obtain better results by:

• Flattening the breast so that the maximum amount of tissue can be examined.
  
• Allowing a lower X-ray dose to be used, since the X-ray beams pass through a thinner amount of tissue.
  
• Holding the breast in place to prevent blurring caused by motion.

Preparing for a Mammogram

Before scheduling a mammogram, we recommend you discuss any problems with your doctor. Inform them of any prior surgeries, hormone use and family/personal history of breast cancer. You should not schedule your mammogram for the week before your period if your breasts are usually tender during that time. Always inform your health providers if there is any possibility that you are pregnant.

We also ask that you:

• Do not wear deodorant, talcum powder or lotion under your arms or on your breasts on the day of your exam. These can appear on the mammogram as calcium spots.
  
• Describe any breast symptoms or problems to the technologist (or tech) performing the exam.
  
• Obtain the results and/or images from prior mammograms, if not performed at Gwinnett Medical Center, and provide them to the radiologist at the time of the current exam.

What to Expect

Even though you will be given a wrap to wear during your mammogram, make sure you wear two-piece clothing as you will need to undress from the waist up. During your exam, a breast technologist will position each breast, one at a time, on the mammography equipment. The breast will then be compressed and the X-rays will be taken. During your digital mammogram, each X-ray will appear on the technologist's computer screen and they will be able to make sure each image shows the right view before positioning you for the next image. The entire procedure should take about 20 minutes.

Results of a Mammogram

A board-certified radiologist will read your mammogram and send the results to your physician who will notify you of the results. Be sure to ask your physician when you will receive the results of your mammogram. If you do not hear from your physician, please contact your physician's office for your results.

Gwinnett Medical Center Imaging has three convenient Atlanta-area locations, in Lawrenceville, Hamilton Mill and Duluth. If you would like to schedule an appointment, please call 678-312-3444.

For more information about your mammogram, breast cancer statistics and breast biopsy procedures, watch these videos.

Imaging Services Home