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| How to Prepare for Your Exam | | | During the Exam | | | What's Next? |
When thinking about the importance of early detection of breast cancer and its positive effect on survival rates, it’s essential to note that mammography is a crucial part of the equation.
At Sonora Regional Imaging Center, we offer a full-field digital mammography system designed with your comfort in mind.The Medical Center's MAMMOMAT NovationDR meets the demands of modern mammography practices by providing digital screening and diagnosis.
Studies show that full-field digital mammography produces better results in its ability to detect details and help us pinpoint disease and plan treatment. Plus, our technology provides women with the advantage of reducing radiation exposure by twenty to thirty percent compared to conventional analog systems.
When you visit our digital mammography center, you’ll find that we offer maximum patient access, comfort and imaging of all breast sizes.
MAMMOMAT NovationDR has a large detector which means, in most cases, only one exposure is necessary for a complete breast image. Its unique compression plate means less painful exams because only the pressure necessary for optimal image quality is applied. You’ll appreciate its speed, convenience, and comfort.
MammoPad, used at the Sonora Regional Imaging Center, provides a softer, warmer mammogram.
At Sonora Regional Imaging Center, we strive to offer women excellent diagnostic services while ensuring them optimal comfort for mammography.
How to prepare for digital mammography
On the day of your exam, do not use deodorant, perfume or lotion anywhere from the waist up before the exam since such items can produce artifacts simulating disease on the mammogram.
When you enter our digital mammography center, you will be asked to remove your clothes from the waist up and put on a robe or gown. You may be asked to remove your jewelry as well. There are secure lockers for you in the mammography dressing room.
If possible, avoid scheduling your mammogram just before or during your menstrual period, especially if you have breast pain at that time. If you have breast implants, please inform the technologist before the exam. [back to top]
What happens during the examination?
A digital mammography generally lasts about 30 minutes.
During a mammography exam, the technologist positions the patient to image the breast from different angles and compresses the breast with a paddle to obtain optimal image quality. Unlike film-based mammography, digital mammograms produce images that appear on the technologist’s monitor in a matter of seconds.
With digital mammography, the radiologist or technologist reviews electronic images of the breast using special high resolution monitors. The doctor or staff member can adjust the brightness, change contrast, and zoom in for close-ups of specific areas of interest. This digital capability potentially saves additional time and reduces exposure to X-rays. [back to top]
What happens after the exam?
Following your exam, your physician will contact you to discuss the results.
If there are areas of concern or that may require additional images, you will be notified either by phone or letter. [back to top]