Diagnostic Mammography
General Information:
• Diagnostic Mammograms are done when a patient or their physician notices a problem with their breasts, such as a lump, unusual nipple discharge, nipple retraction, dimpling or skin thickening
• Follow-up from a recent screening mammogram is also a diagnostic. The exam is done according to your recent mammogram report.
Pre-Procedure Information:
• Please arrive 20 mins prior to your scheduled appointment.
• On the day of your exam, do not use powder, perfume or deodorant, and wear a two-piece garment.
During your exam:
• The technologist will target a specific area using tomo (3D) or 2D imaging, which may require dedicated compression to the area of interest.
• Breast compression is necessary to obtain quality images for the radiologist, and also decreases your radiation dose.
• Once the images have been taken the compression paddle will be released.
• The radiologist will review your images and determine if you need further imaging by mammograms or an ultrasound.
• Please allow your exam to take 1-2 hours.
Post-Procedure Information:
• The radiologist/ technologist will review your results with you after your exam is completed.
• The results will also be sent to your physician.
• Follow-up with your physician if needed.