The American Cancer Society recommends that women 40 and older should have a mammogram every year. Your medical history and condition may require a variation of this schedule. Consult your doctor to establish a schedule tailored for you. We also invite you to schedule your next exam at Derry Imaging by calling (603) 537-1363.

The GE Senographe Essential Digital Mammography
GE's Senographe Essential allows precision imaging of virtually any woman in a single exposure or view. The enlarged detector easily accommodates large breast images without degradation of small breast images. Digital capabilities optimize workflow and connectivity, while providing 3D images and capacity for interventional mammography procedures.

Advanced Mammography at Derry Imaging
Derry Imaging is pleased to offer our patients the most advanced mammography technology available today - digital mammography. Medical professionals are referring to this advanced diagnostic technology as the mammography of the future.

A recent medical study conducted by the American Board of Radiology scientifically proved that digital mammography is 15 to 28 percent more effective at detecting breast tumors as compared to conventional film-based mammography.

According to this study, digital mammography benefits women:

• who are less than 50 years old.persons with dense breast tissue.
• women entering menopause.

The Test
A mammogram produces an image of breast tissue to help determine if the tissue is normal or if you need further testing or treatment. There are two reasons for doing a mammogram:

• A screening mammogram looks for signs of any abnormality.
• A diagnostic mammogram is used to evaluate a specific area of concern.

How It Works
Mammography uses safe, low-dose x-rays to create an image on film. Different tissues in the breast absorb different amounts of x-rays, producing different shades of black, gray, and white on the film.

What to Expect
The exam is performed by a registered technologist (mammographer) who has had special training in the use of this equipment. A digital screening mammogram exam takes about 10 to 15 minutes, about half the time needed for a traditional film mammogram. A diagnostic mammogram may take a bit longer.

In addition, the machine's specially designed ergonomic paddle creates less discomfort during breast compression. This design also gives doctors more thorough images of the insular tissue under the arm, an area that film-based mammography frequently misses.

During the exam:

• You will stand in front of the mammography machine–the technologist will tell you how to position yourself.
• The technologist will place one breast at a time between two plates.
• The plates are slowly compressed, flattening the breast as much as possible to separate layers of tissue and help make the image as clear as possible. This part of the process may be a bit uncomfortable but it's over quickly.
• You'll be asked to hold your breath and be very still as each image is taken of each breast.
• As soon as the images are captured–just a matter of seconds–the machine automatically releases the compression.

Risks
Mammography is a safe examination that uses low dose radiation–an amount that's less than your exposure when living at high altitude or during a six-hour plane ride. The compression of your breasts during the test will not harm them in any way. As with any medical procedure, be sure to tell your doctor if you're pregnant.

Patient Preparation

• The examination will be most comfortable if you schedule it for the week after your menstrual period.
• Bring at least two years of prior films or digital images, if another provider did them, so we can use them for comparison. If you choose to have them sent instead of bringing them, plan your appointment accordingly. It may take up to two weeks for us to receive them.
• Try to wear a two-piece outfit the day of your test since you'll be asked to undress to the waist. You'll be given a paper or cloth cover-up for privacy.
• Please do not use deodorant, talcum powder, lotion, ointment or perfume on the day of the appointment. They can leave a residue on your skin that can affect the quality of your film image.

Results
With the digital mammography, images of your breast tissue are available almost immediately - 10 seconds. This allows the registered technologists at Derry Imaging to review the image and decide on the spot whether a retake may be necessary.

Then, one of our board certified radiologists examines your digital images on our system's high-resolution, side-by-side monitors. The doctor looks for any changes or inconsistencies in the breast tissue, some of which may be as tiny as a grain of salt. The system's software allows the doctor to zoom in on the image to further analyze it, highlight areas of concerns and even compare past digital images with current ones on the system's multiple computer screens. With a touch of a button, our doctors can also access our ImageChecker® Computer-Aided Detection (CAD) System, offering a second layer of detail aimed at reducing observational oversights that can lead to false negative diagnoses.

Your report will be sent to your physician, who will give you the results of the examination. If your results show abnormal tissue, remember–abnormal is not equal to cancer.

If Your Results Aren't Normal... What Next?
Up to 10% of women experience what is known as a false positive and are called back for extra pictures or possibly an ultrasound. Yes, it's frightening but this means that the radiologist is doing his job. Most likely everything will be okay. We will usually call you within 48 hours and make arrangements for you to have your follow up. Our appointments are scheduled when the radiologists are here. This way the digital images and/or ultrasound can be read while you're here and you will be given the results before you leave our office. During the procedure, one or more additional images of your breast will be taken. An ultrasound may be requested to distinguish a cyst (nothing to worry about) from a solid growth (which may warrant a biopsy).

What could be the possible outcome following the additional testing?

• Everything is fine...It was just overlapping breast tissue.
• Everything is still fine but because of the subtle change we will have you come back in six months to recheck the area. These changes can occur for many reasons. It could have to do with the time of your cycle or you may be pre or post menopausal. Maybe you were on hormone therapy last time you had a mammogram and since have discontinued use or have started hormones since your last exam. A difference in positioning technique usually for the better can cause overlapping tissue.
• Sometimes an area - even after additional pictures or an ultrasound exam is performed - will need a further workup. If a biopsy is recommended, we will try to make arrangements with a surgeon for a consult while you are here in the office.

Accreditation
Derry Imaging Center is American College Radiology (ACR) accredited in Mammography, MRI, Ultrasound and CT Scan Imaging Services. This means we provide a high level of confidence for the patients and referring physicians that only the highest quality care is being provided. Accreditation means patients can be assured that staff and equipment have passed the ACR's rigorous evaluation. If you should have any further questions, please fell free to ask the mammography technologist.

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