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Mammograms
The Rosina Carlise Mammography Suite The Rosina Carlise Mammograph Suite at Bridgton Hospital offers Screening and Diagnostic Mammograms. The elegantly appointed suite consists of a private waiting room, dressing room and diagnostic room. A Screening Mammogram is suggested for any woman over the age of 40. A Diagnostic Mammogram is completed when a condition or problem has been identified by you and your physician. This can be a breast lump, pain or other symptom. Bridgton Hospital uses the LORAD M-III mammography machine. We are MQSA (Mammography Quality Standard Act) Certified and ACR ( American College of Radiology) Certified Our caring, compassionate mammography technologists are certified in mammography. 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 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:
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: |
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