Mammogram

Mammograms are part of comprehensive breast health care at Atrium Health Floyd and Harbin Clinic. We offer 3D mammography at many of our locations to provide you with the most detailed, accurate images possible. You can rely on our specialists for rapid results – within one day – thanks to our Know in 24 promise at the Breast Center at Floyd.

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You can call us at 706-509-6840 or schedule an appointment through MyAtriumHealth.

What is a mammogram?

A mammogram is an X-ray image of your breast to check for breast cancer. It shows breast tissue and helps your provider see abnormal changes in your breast.

Mammograms are created using an imaging method called mammography. Mammography uses low-dose X-rays from different angles to create pictures.

Types of mammograms

Your provider may recommend a certain type of mammogram depending on your age, health history and family history. The types of mammograms include:

Screening mammogram

A screening mammogram is a regular test that checks for breast cancer before you show any signs or symptoms. The American Cancer Society recommends a screening mammogram every year if you’re 40 or older. This test is part of a comprehensive breast health exam at your annual well-visit.

Diagnostic mammogram

A diagnostic mammogram checks for a range of problems if your provider suspects you may have breast disease. You may need a diagnostic mammogram if you have:

• A history of breast disease
• Breast disease symptoms, such as lumps, pain or skin changes
• Changes in your breast tissue that need additional imaging, such as lumps found on a screening mammogram or during a clinical breast exam
• Mature or developed lobular (milk-producing gland) breast tissue, including tissue developed from hormonal therapy

3D mammogram

A 3D mammogram is an advanced image of your breast tissue. It uses 3D mammography, which takes detailed, layer-by-layer pictures from multiple angles and combines them to make 3D images. Traditional mammography, on the other hand, takes pictures of your breasts from two angles and creates 2D images.

3D mammograms detect breast cancer more accurately than 2D mammograms, especially in women with dense breast tissue. Your provider has a clearer picture of all breast tissue and can see cancer that may otherwise be hidden behind dense breast tissue.

As a result, 3D mammograms help your provider find cancer earlier. They also reduce the need to return for more imaging due to false positives (abnormalities seen on a mammogram that aren’t cancer).

Mammogram uses and benefits

Mammograms are important for finding breast disease and guiding any treatment necessary.

Screening mammograms help your provider identify breast cancer early. Early detection often allows you to have more treatment options and for treatment to be most effective.

Diagnostic mammograms help evaluate signs and symptoms of breast disease. The images show your provider more information about abnormalities, such as cancer, cysts and noncancerous lumps (fibroadenomas).

What to expect with a mammogram

You may have a mammogram at your annual well-visit or as a diagnostic test. Avoid wearing perfume, creams, lotions, powder, deodorant or antiperspirant. These substances can interfere with the test and affect image quality.

Your provider will also do a clinical breast exam (CBE) if you’re having a well-visit. A CBE is a physical exam of your breasts and underarm area to check for abnormalities, such as lumps. You should have a CBE at least once every three years if you’re 20 or older.

During a mammogram

You’ll remove your clothes above your waist and stand in front of an X-ray imaging machine. An imaging technologist will position your breast on the machine between two plates.

The top plate presses your breast down onto the bottom plate for about 10–15 seconds. The compression helps spread out your breast tissue to make it as visible as possible.

You’ll hold your breath to help you stay still as the machine takes a picture. The technologist will guide you through this process for both breasts.

Mammogram risks and side effects

Mammography exposes you to a small amount of ionizing radiation. Radiation exposure can increase your risk of cancer over time. However, the benefit of early breast cancer detection generally outweighs the risk from radiation exposure.

You may experience brief pain or discomfort as the X-ray machine presses down on your breasts. The level of discomfort varies based on factors like breast size and the amount of pressure needed for a clear image. Your breasts may also be more tender if you’re close to starting your period or currently menstruating.

Getting your mammogram results

Your provider will share your mammogram results as soon as possible. At Atrium Health Floyd and Harbin Clinic, we are committed to providing results within 24 hours at the Breast Center at Floyd.

We understand the anxiety and fear that can build while waiting for test results. Our Know in 24 promise aims to ease the stress that comes with mammograms and give you peace of mind.

Next steps after an abnormal mammogram

Your provider will discuss any abnormal findings with you and recommend next steps as needed. You likely will need additional imaging or a biopsy (tissue analysis) to learn more. We offer quick access to further testing and aim to provide next-day results.

Advanced imaging techniques, including a breast MRI or breast ultrasound, show breast tissue in more detail than a mammogram. A biopsy can tell whether tissue is cancerous. In many cases, additional testing shows that everything is normal.