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Breast Imaging FAQThe physicians and medical staff at St. Paul Radiology are pleased to provide you with answers to questions you may have about breast imaging or your upcoming appointment. 651.632.5700. |
Specialty Services
Breast Imaging FAQ
Is there any preparation on my part prior to my appointment?
What should I wear to my examination?
What should I bring to my appointment?
How long will my examination last?
What is Computer Aided Detection (CAD)?
How will I receive my mammogram results?
How do I know if I am a good candidate for breast MRI?
What information will I need to provide before my breast MRI is scheduled?
Is there any preparation on my part prior to my breast MRI?
How long will my breast MRI examination last?
May I move during my breast MRI examination?
What is computer aided detection and how does it enhance my breast MRI examination?
Answers
Q: What is a mammogram?
A mammogram is an examination of the soft tissue of the breast. Mammography is the recommended study for early detection of breast cancer. St. Paul Radiology offers both screening and diagnostic mammography as well as ultrasound and needle guided biopsy/aspiration to evaluate the breast. A screening mammogram involves two X-rays of each breast.
Q: Is there any preparation on my part prior to my appointment?
If your previous mammogram was not done at St. Paul Radiology, you will be asked to contact your former provider and request that your films be sent to St. Paul Radiology for comparison.
Q: What should I wear to my examination?
You may prefer to wear a two-piece outfit to your mammogram appointment, as we will ask you to disrobe from the waist up. A gown will be provided for your convenience. If you are wearing deodorant, you will be asked to remove it.
Q: What should I bring to my appointment?
Please bring your insurance card. Your insurance company will be billed for the procedure. You will receive a bill for any co-pay or non-covered expenses from Midwest Radiology.
Q: How does the procedure work?
The technologist will place your breast between two plates on the imaging machine and compression will be applied for a few seconds while each image is taken. You will be asked to hold your breath and not move during each exposure.
Q: Is a mammogram painful?
You will feel the compression when it is applied for each image. Unless your breasts are already tender, the exam should not be painful. Some patients do experience brief discomfort.
Q: What is Computer Aided Detection (CAD)?
St. Paul Radiology is equipped with state-of-the art computer aided detection. This technology aids the radiologist in identifying very subtle changes in the breast. CAD, as the name implies, uses a computer to assist in analyzing your mammogram. The computer utilizes breakthrough technology to highlight any potential areas of concern on a mammogram, calling attention to subtle changes in the breast tissue that may indicate the presence of cancer. The computer does not replace the radiologist who reads the mammograms. the radiologist determines if marked areas need furhter evaluation. With CAD, the radiologist still makes the final interpretation of your mammograms and you receive the benefit of a second opinion.
Q: How will I receive my mammogram results?
A Board Certified Radiologist will study the images from your examination and send a report to your primary physician. You will also receive a letter from St. Paul Radiology with your results within 30 days of your examination. If further testing is necessary, a SPR technologist will contact you promptly.
Q: What is breast MRI?
During an MRI of the breast, you will be asked to lie on your stomach on the scanning table. Your breasts rest comfortably in the scanning table which moves into the center of the magnet. After an initial series of images are taken, you will be given an intravenous contrast agent, which improves the visibility of any suspicious lesions that may be present. Then the technologist will acquire additional imaging.
Q: How do I know if I am a good candidate for breast MRI?
Your physician can make the best determination if you might benefit from breast MRI. Patient usually fit into one of the following profiles:
High risk for breast cancer-personal or strong family history (especially premenopausal cancer in first degree relative)
Blood work indicates that you have an identified breast cancer gene
Prior to breast cancer conservation surgery to look for additional undetected (occult) areas of breast cancer in either breast
Problem solving for breast diagnosis
Breast implants with questionable leakage
Q: What information will I need to provide before my breast MRI is scheduled?
A breast MRI should be scheduled 1-2 weeks after your menstrual cycle. If your previous mammogram of breast ultrasound was not done at St. Paul Radiology, you will be asked to contact your former provider and request that your exam be sent to St. Paul Radiology for a comparison study.
At the time of your appointment, you will be asked to complete a medical questionnaire that will assist the technologist in assuring that the highest quality examination is performed. Please make sure your physician and the technologist performing your examination know if you have a pacemaker, prosthesis, aneurysm clips, metal implants or other metal objects in your body. If you know you have had metal in your eyes, please inform us, as you may require an additional study prior to your MRI.
Q: Is there any preparation on my part prior to my breast MRI?
Q: Is breast MRI painful?
Q: How long will my breast MRI examination last?
Q: May I move during my breast MRI examination?
Q: What is computer aided detection and how does it enhance my breast MRI examination?
Q: How will I receive my breast MRI results?
A breast imaging radiologist will study the images acquired from your examination and send a report to your referring physician. Contact your referring physician to review the results and next steps. All SPR radiologists are certified by the American Board of Radiology.