 Mammograms provided at The Breast Center are digital with CAD.
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One out of seven women in the United States will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. The good news is most cancers found in their earliest stages are curable. Ninety-six percent of women treated for early stage breast cancer are disease-free five years after diagnosis. The best and earliest way to detect breast cancer is through mammography, which can detect smaller cancers than those detected during examination by a physician or nurse.
Mammography is a special x-ray of the breast tissue. It allows radiologists to see the internal structure of the breasts and can reveal abnormal growths at their earliest stages. The Breast Center of Northwest Arkansas was the first center in the area to use Digital Mammography with Computer Aided Detection.
Screening mammograms
A screening mammogram is recommended beginning at age 40 once a year. A Screening Mammogram is done only when you are having no problems. If you have a problem, a screening mammogram is not adequate to determine if it is serious or not. A new lump, nipple discharge, discoloration, focal pain that has not been studied before, or a lump that is changing are some reasons why a diagnostic mammogram should be done instead of a screening. Most insurance companies will pay for a screening mammogram.
Diagnostic mammograms
A diagnostic mammogram is done when there is some type of problem. It will involve an advanced mammogram and possibly an ultrasound. The radiologist views the images while you are at the clinic and will inform you of the findings before you leave. To make a diagnostic exam appointment, you must first consult your doctor about the problem as he/she may want to examine you before any images are taken. You must have a doctor’s order for a diagnostic mammogram. Another reason for a diagnostic mammogram is if the radiologist finds something different in your screening mammogram or decides to “follow” a finding over several months. For this you do not need an order from your physician. Most insurance companies cover the cost of a diagnostic exam, but you may have to pay toward the deductible before insurance will pay.
Click on the link below or call (479) 442-6266 to schedule your mammogram at our Fayetteville or Bentonville centers.
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