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Health Topics from MedlinePlus Select one... Blood, Heart and Circulation Bones, Joints and Muscles Brain and Nerves Digestive System Ear, Nose and Throat Endocrine System Eyes and Vision Immune System Kidneys and Urinary System Lungs and Breathing Mouth and Teeth Skin, Hair and Nails Female Reproductive System Male Reproductive System

Mammography 

Emory Johns Creek Hospital offers the most technically advanced form of digital mammography available. Digital mammography allows images to be transferred to a computer so that images can be electronically enhanced, allowing radiologists the opportunity to magnify and optimize the images for a more precise picture of your condition.

Why Digital Mammography?

• Typically, a digital mammogram takes less than half the time of a traditional film based exam.
• Less radiation exposure than a traditional film based exam.
• More precise results.

In addition to digital mammography, Emory Johns Creek Hospital offers computer aided detection (CAD), which is a computer software program that can assist radiologists in finding suspicious areas on mammograms. Simply put, CAD acts as a second set of eyes to evaluate your mammogram.

Numerous studies have demonstrated that mammograms are extremely effective in detecting breast cancer and that early detection of cancer with mammography can save lives. The American Cancer Society recommends a yearly mammogram for all women beginning at age 40. Women with a family history of breast cancer or who received radiation to their chest as a child or in their twenties may need to begin yearly mammography at an earlier age.

Screening Mammography
A screening mammogram is a routine examination performed yearly beginning at age 40 in patients without breast problems.

Diagnostic Mammography
A diagnostic mammogram is performed when a patient has a specific breast problem such as a lump in her breast or when a doctor has recommended follow up of a specific area in the breast. This type of mammogram requires direct supervision by the radiologist and may also require additional mammographic images, as well as the addition of ultrasound imaging, to completely evaluate the breast problem.

Your mammogram will be performed by a technologist who will position the breast in at least two different positions. The breasts will be compressed, and although this may be slightly uncomfortable, it should not be painful. Compression helps to decrease the amount of radiation to the breast and also improves image quality, allowing for detection of subtle abnormalities.

To help minimize discomfort during the examination, you should consider scheduling the mammogram the week after your menstrual cycle when the breast tissue is the least sensitive. Do not use deodorant, powder or perfume on the day of your mammogram, as this can result in an imaging artifact which may require repeat imaging. It is best to wear a comfortable two piece outfit.

If you have undergone mammography previously at a different facility, if possible please bring the images with you or arrange to have them sent to the breast center so they can be compared with your current examination. If you are not able to do this prior to your examination, the technologist can assist you in having the films sent to the breast center. If you think you may be pregnant or if you are breast feeding, please contact the breast imaging department prior to scheduling your mammogram.

Your doctor will receive a copy of your mammogram report, and you will receive a letter explaining the results and recommendations within ten days of your examination. If you have not received a letter explaining your results by that time, please call us at 678-474-7166.

Approximately 10 to 20 percent of patients who undergo screening mammography will receive a recommendation that requires that the patient return for additional evaluation, usually either with additional mammographic imaging or ultrasound. If this is recommended, do not become alarmed. The majority of the time, the additional evaluation does not demonstrate cancer but instead helps the radiologist to better evaluate any areas of concern.