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Mammography

Mammography

What is a Mammogram?

Mammography is the process of using low-energy x-rays to examine breasts, male or female. A mammography exam, called a mammogram, is used as a screening tool to detect early breast cancer in women experiencing no symptoms and to detect and diagnose diseases of the breast in women experiencing symptoms such as a lump, pain or nipple discharge.

The goal of mammography is to detect breast cancer in its earliest, most curable stages when lumps are too small for you or your doctor to feel and before any other symptoms develop.

At Jahmale Medical Solutions, we’re making it easier for you to get preventive screenings with convenient options like walk-in appointments and semi-annual discount promotions.

Who should get a Mammogram?

Jahmale Medical Solutions recommends all women begin annual screening with mammography at age 40. Higher risk women (e.g., those with genetic abnormalities, strong family history and/or personal risk factors) should discuss with their physician whether additional screening studies or starting screening earlier would be beneficial. Annual screening should continue into later years as long as a woman is in good health.

What to expect?

Upon arriving at Jahmale, you will be greeted by our friendly and knowledgeable staff that will register and help you get ready for your exam. Our dedicated Mammography Technologist will ask you some questions about yourself and your family history. They will walk you through the exam, answer any questions you may have and ask you to sign a consent form.

You will be required to undress from the waist upwards and offered a hospital gown. You will also be asked to remove all objects that will cast shadow on the images (eg. long chain and long and large earrings. Your items will be securely locked for the duration of your exam. At Jahmale, we encourage you to be an ambassador of your own health, feel free to ask questions or seek clarity whenever you require it. Your exam may take up to 20 minutes.

 

Where can I get a Mammogram?

While Jahmale has two locations, the Diagnostic Sub-Center in The Municipal Borough of New Kru, Bushrod Island and its main branch on A.B. Tolbert Road at ELWA Junction, Paynesville, Mammography services are only available at the main branch; but booking can also be done through New Kru Town branch.

 

How to prepare for Mammogram?

Having a mammogram can be uncomfortable for some women. Sometimes it may be slightly painful. However, a mammogram takes only a few minutes, and the discomfort is over soon after. Your breasts may be more sensitive if you are about to get or have your period. The optimal time to schedule a Mammogram is one-week after the beginning of your menstrual period.

Please follow the instructions given to you when scheduling your exam. Typically, you will be told not to wear deodorant, perfume, powders or ointments in the underarm area or on the breasts.

If you have had a Mammogram done at a different facility, please bring or have the images sent to Jahmale Medical Solutions, ideally prior to your appointment or on the day of examination for comparison.

How is Mammogram done?

The technologist will then begin the exam and position you appropriately. Expect to feel pressure from the compression. Breast compression is necessary in order to spread out the tissue so that small abnormalities won’t be obscured by overlying breast tissue. Compression also allows the use of a lower x-ray dose since a thinner amount of breast tissue is being imaged and it also holds the breast still to eliminate blurring of the image caused by motion.

A certain amount of pressure is necessary for a good mammogram so it is important for patients to know that each picture only takes a few seconds. You should not feel any discomfort after your mammogram.

You will be asked to change positions slightly between images. The routine views are a top-to-bottom view and an angled side view. The process will be repeated for the other breast.

When the mammogram is completed, you will be asked to wait until the technologist examines the images to determine if more are needed. Sometimes additional images will be taken to assure a complete exam.

 

What do the result mean?

The Radiologist (a doctor with special training) will review your exam in a detailed manner. The doctor will look at the x-ray for early signs of breast cancer or other problems and may request additional images that you will be called back for, or additional imaging such as ultrasound which the radiologist will recommend to your doctor to order. Please do not be alarmed. Additional imaging is very common and assist the radiologist in completing a thorough study of your breast tissue. You will usually get the results within 24 to 48 hours.

If you have had a Mammogram done at a different facility, please bring or have the images sent to Jahmale Medical Solutions, ideally prior to your appointment. This allows the radiologist a comparison of former studies to current.

If the radiologist sees anything that requires a closer look, they’ll let you know and discuss next steps. Remember that many things show up on mammograms – not just cancer. In fact, most breast changes that happen over time are not cancer. Things like benign (non-cancerous) lumps, cysts and even dense breast tissue can appear as areas of concern on mammogram images.

If you have questions concerning the delivery of your results, please contact 0881603033 or 0775603033.

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