Mammogram

As part of our commitment to providing patients with the latest technologies and types of imaging, all Ochsner facilities offering mammography now provide 3D mammograms, also known as digital breast tomosynthesis. This type of mammogram is an advanced form of breast cancer screening.

During a 3D mammogram, multiple pictures of the breast are captured from different angles using X-ray, then merged into a three-dimensional view of the breast. This allows a radiologist to carefully look through different layers of the image, making it easier to spot any areas of concern.

Because it offers an enhanced view of the breasts, digital breast tomosynthesis is often recommended for younger women, those who have dense breast tissue and those who have breast implants. It has also been shown as more effective in diagnosing breast cancer and results in fewer unnecessary call-backs for additional imaging scans.

Ochsner facilities also provide other types of screening and diagnostic services for breast diseases, including cancer. Services include:

• Breast MRI

• Breast ultrasound

• Core needle biopsy, which uses a needle to remove a sample of breast tissue

• Cyst aspiration, or draining fluid from a cyst

• Diagnostic mammography

• Preoperative needle localization, which is used to mark the area the doctor will remove during surgery

"My mom had kidney cancer, breast cancer, and then kidney cancer again. She kept telling me to get my mammogram, and I went and I got the call to come back. They let me know that I had cancer. When Dr. (Shaunda) Grisby came in and told me that all the cancer was gone, that was the best." - Nicole D., breast cancer patient

There are two main types of mammography. Screening mammography is the type you are probably most familiar with. This type of mammogram is the kind you have annually or on a regular basis as recommended by your doctor.

Diagnostic mammography is the other type. Diagnostic mammograms are recommended if you’re experiencing a breast-related symptom, like nipple discharge or a lump, or if something suspicious or unclear was seen on a screening mammogram. You may also need a diagnostic mammogram if your doctor recommends a follow-up mammogram in between your regularly scheduled screening mammograms.

Both types of mammograms are performed at Ochsner facilities using 3D mammography to capture the most detailed images of the breast tissue.

The process is actually relatively simple. When you arrive for a mammography appointment, you’ll be provided with a robe or gown and asked to take off your shirt and bra. Because you’ll be removing the top part of your clothing, we recommend that you wear a two-piece outfit.

In an imaging suite, a mammography technologist will carefully move your body into the position needed to capture pictures of the breast. Your breasts will be placed between plates and then compressed to even out the breast tissue and hold the breasts still.

During the mammogram, you’ll be moved into multiple positions to capture different views of the breast tissue. You’ll be asked to stay still as the X-rays are captured to keep the images from blurring. From start to finish, a mammogram is typically complete within 20 to 30 minutes.

Every woman’s experience is different. Since the breast tissue is compressed during a mammogram, it is normal to feel some mild discomfort. The amount of discomfort will vary depending on a number of factors, including the sensitivity of your breasts and where you are in your menstrual cycle.

If you experience significant discomfort, let your mammography technologist know. You can also talk with your doctor about reducing discomfort during future mammograms by taking a dose of an anti-inflammatory medication or a pain reliever in the hours before your scan.

Mammograms use X-rays to capture images of the breast. That means that you’re exposed to a small amount of radiation during the imaging scan. But the radiation dose is tiny.

The advanced technology in 3D mammography uses a low radiation dose. While the exact dose varies between mammograms, the American Cancer Society reports that the average radiation dose in a mammogram is equivalent to what a woman is naturally exposed to in a seven-week period.