RHODE ISLAND MEDICAL IMAGING
Mammography



Screening Mammogram

Your mammogram may be performed as a SCREENING examination or as a DIAGNOSTIC examination.

A screening mammogram is performed on women without symptoms as a “checkup” once per year beginning at age 40.  A minimum of four X-ray pictures, two of each breast, are taken on a special X-ray machine used for mammograms only.

The breasts are compressed during the exam to reduce motion, spread out the breast tissue, and limit the amount of X-rays necessary to penetrate the breasts. This will ensure the best possible images.

Screening mammograms take approximately 15 minutes. Mammograms are performed by technologists with advanced training and certification in breast imaging. After the X-rays are obtained they will be  interpreted by a Diagnostic Radiologist, a medical doctor (M.D.). All mammograms performed at RIMI are read by board certified Radiologists who specialize in breast imaging.

All Rhode Island Medical Imaging facilities are accredited in mammography by The American College of Radiology and are inspected yearly by the FDA
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Screening mammograms are not interpreted while the patient is waiting. They are usually read the next day and the final report is then sent to your doctor as soon as possible. If your screening mammogram is normal, your next one will be recommended in one year.

Preparation:

Do not wear any powder or deodorant under the arms or around the breast area.

Information:

The Radiology Information Resource for Patients
Mammography FAQ
Breast Ultrasound