Digital Mammography


mamography

Digital Mammography

With computer aided detection (CADX)

Mammography is a low dose form of x-ray used in detection of breast cancer and other diseases of the breast. Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women. Early detection is key to effective treatment.

About Digital Mammography

Northeast Radiology mammography has been fully digital since 2006. Our digital mammography programs are fully FDA and ACR® accredited. Since changes in mammography images over time are important, our radiologists request that patients bring their prior mammograms (if performed elsewhere) so comparisons can be made.

Our radiologists use CAD (computer aided detection) software to help evaluate your mammogram. This software points out regions of interest for the radiologist to specifically evaluate as an additional layer of protection. Think of CAD as a “second set of eyes” reviewing your examination.

There are two types of mammograms: Screening and Diagnostic. A screening mammogram is important because it can identify cancer before it presents as a lump. A diagnostic mammogram is performed in instances where there are clinical findings or if a lump is felt. If an abnormality is detected on your screening mammogram, additional testing such as diagnostic mammography, ultrasound, or even a breast MRI may be recommended.

A complimentary CD of your mammogram is available to you after the examination is completed. Your referring doctor may ask you to bring it to him or her. It is wise to keep this CD as part of your personal medical history file.

Quality Standards

Northeast Radiology Diagnostic Imaging Center of Excellence

The DICOE program, which represents the pinnacle of medical imaging care, is an achievement that goes beyond accreditation to recognize best-quality imaging practices and diagnostic care. This includes a comprehensive assessment of the entire medical imaging enterprise, including structure and outcomes. The DICOE designation recognizes excellence at multiple levels — including the professional staff, the technology and the policies and procedures the organization follows — and superior patient care.

Northeast Radiology’s Mammography Accreditation

The ACR’s ® Mammography Accreditation Program provides facilities with peer review and constructive feedback on staff qualifications, equipment, quality control, quality assurance, image quality and radiation dose. The 1992 Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) requires that all mammography facilities in the United States be accredited.

Northeast Radiology’s Stereotactic Breast Biopsy Accreditation

The Stereotactic Breast Biopsy Accreditation Program provides facilities performing stereotactic breast biopsy procedures with peer review and constructive feedback on their staff’s qualifications, equipment, quality control, quality assurance, accuracy of needle placement, image quality and dose.

Northeast Radiology’s Breast Imaging Center of Excellence Accreditation

The ACR’s ® Breast Imaging Center of Excellence (BICOE) designation is awarded to breast imaging centers that achieve excellence by seeking and earning accreditation in all of the ACR’s voluntary breast-imaging accreditation programs and modules, in addition to the mandatory Mammography Accreditation Program.

Northeast Radiology is FDA MQSA accredited, certified and inspected.

October 2012 marks the 20th anniversary of the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA). This legislation established national standards for accreditation, certification, and inspection of mammography facilities in the U.S. Because of these standards, millions of women who receive mammograms in the U.S. each year can be confident they are receiving high-quality, consistent and reliable breast imaging at mammography facilities across the country.

Exam Specific Details

Very detailed specific mammography information is available to you. Northeast Radiology is a member of both the American College of Radiology (ACR®) and the Radiology Society of North America (RSNA®). These two premier organizations have jointly developed Radiologyinfo.org as the radiology information resource for patients.

For a more detailed description of a mammography examination please click on the link below:

Mammography

Stereotactic Breast Biopsy

All the material on the Radiologyinfo.org website is approved by experts in the field of radiology from ACR® and RSNA®, as well as other professional radiology organizations. This website is updated frequently with new information.

Many have opinions on this issue. The American Cancer Society in 2013 made the official recommendation. Their recommendation for early breast cancer detection in women without symptoms is this:

  • Women age 40 and older should have a mammogram every year and should continue to do so for as long as they are in good health.

  • Women in the 20’s and 30’s should have a clinical breast exam (CBE) as part of a periodic (regular) health exam by a health professional preferably every 3 years. Starting at age 40, women should have a CBE by a health professional every year.

  • Breast self-examination (BSE) is an option for women starting in their 20s. Women should be told the benefits and limitations of BSE. Women should report any breast changes to their health care professional right away.

  • Women at a high risk (greater than 20% lifetime risk) should get an MRI and a mammogram exam every year. Women at moderately increased risk (15% to 20% lifetime risk) should talk to their doctors about the benefits and limitations of adding MRI screening to their yearly mammogram. Yearly MRI screening is not recommended for women whose lifetime risk of breast cancer is less than 15%.

Below are links to some of the more respected organizations for your evaluation:

American Cancer Society

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)

MammographySavesLives™

National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)

Fair Price Comparison

Northeast Radiology’s Digital Mammography procedure prices with insurance discounts, and available discounts for self-paying patients, are a phone call away.

888-778-6200