How Does Mammography Work?

We apologize for any discomfort you experience, but breast compression is absolutely essential to obtain the best possible exam. At least two views of each breast will be obtained (except in some circumstances, where only one breast is examined). The mammograms will then be first reviewed for technical quality by the technologist, then reviewed for technical quality and interpreted by your RMG Radiologist.

Often, additional mammographic views will be required to complete your exam. Whenever possible, these views will be obtained on the same day as your first exam, but sometimes you may be called back on another day.

If you have prior exams obtained at another institution, bring them at the time of your mammogram to help expedite your care. Make sure you let us know about any old exams performed elsewhere.

As mandated by the F.D.A., you will receive a prompt notification from us by mail regarding your mammogram results. Our note may indicate that your exam shows no abnormalities or may indicate the need for you to contact your doctor for other required tests or follow-up. In either event, you should discuss the results with your doctor. Even if your mammogram is normal, you might still have breast cancer, and you should seek other ways of evaluating any suspicious lump or other symptoms such as pain, bleeding from the nipple, retraction of the skin, or other breast changes you discover on self-examination.

Also, please don't be overly alarmed if we ask you to come back for more mammographic views or more tests. We are very careful to complete your evaluation diligently, and in most instances, these additional procedures confirm a normal examination. In other instances, however, this diligence enables the early detection of breast cancer, which is our goal.