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What is Mammography
Mammography is a safe method of examining breast tissue.
It involves using a low dose x-ray to produce a high quality
image on film. A specially licensed female technologist performs
this exam. A radiologist then studies the films and will pinpoint
any suspicious signs.
Mammograms are used for two reasons: to screen apparently
normal breasts and to diagnose suspicious lumps.
Why Should You Have A Mammogram?
A mammogram could very well save your life.
Mammography, when combined with regular self-examinations
and examinations by a doctor, has a greater than 90 percent
success rate in detecting changes in breast tissue.
In the United States today, one woman out of every eight will
develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Odds are, you probably
know someone personally who has been diagnosed with breast
cancer. Breast cancer is the most common cause of death in
women between the ages of 40 and 55. The risk of breast cancer
increases with age.
Breast cancer is considered a woman's disease, but men can
also develop breast cancer.
The mortality rate for breast cancer would decrease by 30%
if every woman over 50 was informed and followed the guidelines
for screening mammograms.
An estimated 178,700 new cases of breast cancer among women
and 1,600 cases among men are expected to be diagnosed this
year.
According to the recent data, mortality rates continue to
decline with the largest decreases in younger women. These
decreases are likely to continue due to earlier detection
and improved treatment.
Avoid the ostrich syndrome . . . burying your head in the
sand will not prevent you from developing breast cancer. Early
detection is the key to surviving it.
Preparing For A Mammogram
Please refrain from using any deodorants/antiperspirants,
powders or creams on or around the breast area and underarms.
These can sometimes leave a residue that can be picked up
on the film.
Wear comfortable clothing, preferably a two-piece outfit since
you only need to undress above the waist.
Reduce your caffeine intake for a week or two prior to your
appointment if your breasts tend to become tender. Also, if
you are still having menstrual periods, schedule your appointment
for about 10 days after the onset of your period.
What To Expect
You will undress above the waist in a private room and will
be given a hospital gown to wear. When you are ready, the
examination will begin.
The mammographer will begin by asking you a series of questions,
pertaining to your reproductive history, current symptoms
if any, family history and so on. The mammographer will then
explain the exam to you. Please feel free to ask any questions.
To insure that all the internal breast tissue is visualized,
two x-rays from different angles will be done for each breast.
It is important that the breast tissue be compressed for all
of these views. Your breast will be placed against the x-ray
plate, positioned by the mammographer, then firmly compressed
with a plastic paddle. The compression may be slightly uncomfortable,
but should not be painful. The compression is necessary to
spread the breast tissue out in order to better visualize
the internal structures and to reduce the amount of radiation
needed.
After the x-rays have been taken, they will be checked for
quality and positioning. A board -certified radiologist will
then study your film and a report will be sent to your doctor
in a day or two.
To Schedule An Appointment
Call 207-647-6000
American Cancer Society's Guidelines
The self-referral program is a screening program that
follows the American Cancer Society's guidelines for early
detection. These guidelines are as follows:
- A screening mammogram every year for women 40 and over.
- If you have found a lump in your breast, or are experiencing
any suspicious symptoms, you should notify your doctor immediately.
He or she will order the appropriate tests for you.
Payment
We will process the paperwork for your mammogram to private
insurance, Medicare, Medicaid and approved HMO plans. Please
review your insurance plan for covered services. If, after
you receive your explanation of benefits, you have questions,
please call our business office during business hours.
Any Questions
We encourage you to call the Radiology Department at Bridgton
Hospital with your questions. Our staff of qualified professionals
is ready to answer your questions. Bridgton Hospital is an
American College of Radiology accredited and FDA certified
mammography facility. We are dedicated to helping you in your
quest for early detection.
For more information, call:
Paula Morse, R.T.R.M. or Gale Hill, R.T.R.
Bridgton Hospital Radiology Department
207-647-6000
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