The Softer Mammogram

Radiology Associates of Hartford, PC is an accredited breast imaging facility and is a certified Softer Mammogram Provider; a distinction awarded only to an elite group of healthcare facilities. In addition, at RAH, we employ technologists that are registered and have specialized certification in mammography.

Radiology Associates of Hartford, PC hopes by providing a more comfortable experience, we will increase the number of women in the area who follow recommendations for annual mammography exams.

Age Guidelines for Mammography Screening

The American Cancer Society and the American College of Radiology, recommend annual screening mammograms starting at age 40. Screening mammography is appropriate for asymptomatic women who have no breast symptoms. If you are high risk for breast cancer (if your mother or sister had breast cancer before the age of 50), then you should consider beginning screening with mammography at a younger age and/or with supplemental methods.

Mammography screening should be combined with monthly self-exams and regular examinations by your doctor. Here are general age guidelines for breast care.

Age 20-35 Monthly self examinations, and breast exam by a health professional every 3 years.
Age 35-40 Monthly self examinations, annual breast exam by a health professional, and baseline mammogram.
Age 40-49 Monthly self examinations, annual breast exam by a health professional.
Mammogram every one to two years or as recommended by your referring physician.
Age 50 + Monthly self examinations, annual breast exam by a health professional, annual mammogram.

What are some common uses of a Screening Mammogram?

  • Routine mammograms allow for comparisons, which assist in identifying small changes early
  • For detection of breast cancer
  • To evaluate a lump and to better characterize a lump
  • If the size, shape or tenderness of your breast has changed
  • If skin changes, such as a dimple or pucker in the skin of the breast have occurred
  • If there is a change in the nipple. (retraction or inversion)
  • If there is discharge or bleeding of the nipple without squeezing that area

Preparation Instructions

Do not apply any powders, deodorant, or ointments to the underarm area or breast area on the day of the exam. Wear a two piece outfit. If you experience breast tenderness prior to or during menstruation, try to schedule a routine mammogram at a more comfortable time during your cycle.

Diagnostic Mammogram

How is a Diagnostic Mammogram different from Screening?

A diagnostic mammogram is intended for women who have symptoms such as a lump or mass, discharge, or other significant symptoms. It is also used to further evaluate any abnormality that might have been detected on a screening mammogram.

Reasons to have a diagnostic mammogram:

  • At Radiology Associates of Hartford, PC, about 7-10% of women are recalled for additional views.
  • The great majority of these women will have a normal exam and are returned for annual follow up.
  • A small percentage will be recommended to have an early 6 month follow up.
  • An even smaller percentage will be diagnosed with breast cancer.

A diagnostic mammogram is done under the direct supervision of one of our board-certified radiologists here at RAH’s outpatient centers. Special views of the exam will be taken to analyze your breast symptoms or further analyze findings from the screening mammogram. In many cases, a breast ultrasound will be done to provide additional diagnostic information.

Breast Ultrasound

A breast ultrasound is a safe, non-invasive exam that uses sound waves to see the inside of the breast. No compression is necessary.

It is performed in conjunction with mammography, especially in the case of dense breasts, and for patients with breast implants, since an ultrasound can distinguish between solid and fluid-filled lumps (cysts). Cysts are very common and totally benign; about half of all women have some cysts in their breasts at some point.

In women under 30 years of age, a breast ultrasound is often used as the first diagnostic exam before a mammogram.

What happens if they find something in my breast?

Sometimes we do find a lesion that requires a breast biopsy to find out what it is. Fortunately, the vast majority of breast biopsies can be accurately performed with a needle and do not require surgery.

Radiology Associates of Hartford, PC performs this service in our outpatient centers. To learn more about breast biopsy click here.

To schedule a Softer Mammogram at Radiology Associates of Hartford, PC, please choose our nearest location.

Web Resources

For more information on this topic, please visit www.Radiologyinfo.org.

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