Mammography Overview
 Mammography services are provided at each of our Concord Imaging Center locations. The Breast Imaging Suite at our Pillsbury location offers comprehensive services including: screening mammography, diagnostic mammography, breast ultrasound, stereostatic breast biopsies, and ultrasound guided biopsies while our Horseshoe Pond location provides a convenient location for basic screening mammography.
At Concord Imaging, registered female mammography technologists will make sure you have a comfortable, confidential experience.
It’s important to note that our program is accredited by the American College of Radiology. Our mammography x-ray machines are designed to provide superior imaging, enhanced operating efficiency and maximum patient comfort. We also employ an advanced computer aided detection system – the “R2 Image Checker™” – which aides our radiologists by detecting and highlighting features associated with cancer. The result is a process that minimizes the chances for false negative results. Our technology allows us to provide our patients and their doctors the benefits of early detection.
For more information visit the Breast Care Center at Concord Hospital
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What is Mammography?
Mammography is a specific type of x-ray for the examination of breasts. A mammogram is used as a screening tool for the detection of abnormalities in the breast tissue. It can also show characteristic features of an abnormality. Research has shown that annual mammograms lead to early detection of breast cancers, when they are most curable and breast-conservation therapies are available. While mammography is the best screening tool for breast cancer available today, mammograms do not detect all breast cancers. Also, a small portion of mammograms indicate cancer is present when it is not (called a false-positive result).
Preparation
- Refrain from using powder, cream or deodorant on your breasts or under your arms on the day of the examination.
- Try to schedule the mammogram during the time of the month that your breasts are least sensitive
- Wear a comfortable two-piece outfit to your appointment.
- If you have had prior mammograms at another hospital please bring them with you, or when scheduling your appointment, let us know, so that we can request them.
What you can expect During the Exam
During mammography, a specially qualified radiologic technologist will position your breast in the mammography unit. Your breast(s) will be placed on a special platform and compressed with a paddle. Although this may be uncomfortable, it should not be painful and will last only seconds. The breast must be compressed while the x-ray is taken, in order to get the best detail.
Afterwards
Your exam will be carefully reviewed by a Radiologist, a physician specially trained to interpret mammography. He will provide your doctor with a detailed report. Your doctor will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
Note: Any woman who is pregnant, or thinks she might be, should let her doctor know before proceeding with the exam. If you must cancel your appointment, please let us know 24 hours in advance. If this is not possible, notify us as soon as you are aware that you will not be able to make your scheduled appointment time. Please arrive at our facility 15 minutes prior to your appointment time to register.
Download our Mammography Details document
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What is Breast Ultrasound?
Breast ultrasound does not use x-rays to create diagnostic images of the breast. Instead, this procedure uses reflected sound waves to view and produce pictures of the internal structures of the breast. A breast ultrasound can show all areas of the breast, including the area closest to the chest wall, which can be hard to study with a mammogram.
A breast ultrasound is used to determine whether a breast lump is filled with fluid (a cyst) or a solid structure. An ultrasound generally does not replace the need for a mammogram; however, it is often used in conjunction to further evaluate a questionable area seen on a mammogram.
For a breast ultrasound, a small handheld instrument called a transducer or probe is passed across the breast. It transmits imperceprible sound waves that are reflected back to the transducer. A detector analyzes the sound waves and converts them into a picture.
Preparation
Wear an outfit that makes it easy to undress above the waist such as a two-piece outfit.
What you can expect During the Exam
Your breast ultrasound will be performed by a trained sonographer. You may be asked to change into a gown for the procedure. Remove all jewelry from around your neck.
A special gel will be applied to your breast to improve the transmission of the sound waves. The transducer is pressed against your breast and moved back and forth.
The test usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes but can sometimes take longer. Additional time may be needed if a biopsy is also scheduled. You may be asked to wait after your exam until a radiologist has reviewed the information. The radiologist may want to do additional ultrasound views of some areas of your breast.
Afterwards
Your exam will be carefully reviewed by a radiologist, a physician specially trained to interpret breast ultrasound. He will provide your doctor with a detailed report. Your doctor will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
Download our Breast Ultrasound document
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