 Your doctor told you it's time to schedule your mammogram and you probably have some questions like What is a mammogram? How long is it going to take? Is it going to hurt and how long before I get my results? I'd like to tell you what you can expect Mammography uses x-rays to take pictures of the tissue inside your breast All of our screening studies are safe low-dose 3d mammograms also known as digital breast tomosynthesis When you come for your screening mammogram, you will be greeted by the concierge who will direct you to registration Your registrar will verify your ID and your insurance information Then you will have an opportunity to make an appointment for your screening visit for next year after registering You will walk to the back We will be greeted by our warm and friendly staff who will collect your prescription and guide you to the dressing rooms To make it easy to find your belongings You will receive a color-coded wristband attached to the key for your dressing room After changing you will sit in a private gown waiting room your certified breast Technologist who was also a woman will meet you there and bring you to the exam room your technologist only Performs mammography exams making her an expert at positioning You and the technologist are the only ones in the room during the mammogram Before your screening exam the technologist will ask you a few questions about your breast health and review your history with you She will enter all of the information into your electronic medical record. So the radiologist has access to it She will also note anything on the outside of your breast that might interfere with reading the images later Such as moles or scars the technologist will help position you for the best images You will stand in front of the x-ray machine the technologist will place the breast on a platform Which is adjusted to match your height proper positioning of your arms body and head is key to obtaining high quality images If you are unable to stand this can also be performed while seated Finally a clear plastic compression plate will be gradually lowered to flatten the breast This might be a little cold our new machines and paddles are specially designed for improved patient comfort This ensures the breast remains still and the image is obtained without blurriness Once the breast is properly compressed you will need to stand still and hold your breath the x-ray takes four seconds The compression will be automatically released Many women are concerned that this part of the procedure will hurt It can be uncomfortable for some but it shouldn't hurt the technologist will proceed slowly Let her know the instant you begin to feel any discomfort The entire procedure is then repeated for the other breast In all two pictures of each breast are taken one top to bottom and one side to side When the technologist is satisfied with the images you are free to get dressed and leave The whole process takes about 15 to 20 minutes That's pretty quick for something that can save your life The radiologist a doctor specially trained to read mammograms will carefully review your images and compare them to prior studies for the most accurate interpretation The radiologist will report the findings to your doctor In addition a staff member will call you with the results this usually takes 24 to 48 hours You will also receive a notice in the mail usually within the week If no abnormalities were detected there is nothing for you to do until your next mammogram in one year You will receive a reminder Approximately 10% of patients will need to return for additional imaging Which might include mammographic views ultrasound and or biopsy If you are called back to have more pictures taken it does not mean you have cancer In fact less than 5% of women called back for more imaging are found to have cancer Most patients still end up with a normal result after additional imaging To put this in perspective only five in 1,000 women's screen will actually have cancer With early detection breast cancer is treatable and beatable One simple test can make a life-saving difference Make your appointment today We look forward to taking care of you