Mammography

Alexandria Women’s Center is proud to be the only OB/GYN clinic in Central Louisiana to offer the convenience of in-house digital screening mammography in addition to 3D mammography. 3D mammographies have been shown to increase breast cancer detection while decreasing recalls and biopsies because it eliminates the view of some overlapping tissue and may better clarify the reading of the mammogram for the radiologist. With a state of the art GE Sonographer digital unit, staffed by licensed/certified technicians with over 35 years of combined clinical experience, our clinic has performed over 15,000 studies to date. Our facility is ACR (American College of Radiology) accredited and all studies are interpreted professionally by local board-certified radiologists. We have brought this service to our patients not just through our strong commitment to women’s breast health but by a desire to make the experience convenient, private, and efficient. With testing performed the same day as yearly wellness exams you get more timely results, faster interventions, and ultimately more peace of mind.

What is a mammogram?

A mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breast. Mammograms can be used to check for breast cancer in women who have no signs or symptoms of the disease. This type of mammogram is called a screening mammogram. Screening mammograms usually involve two x-ray pictures, or images, of each breast. The x-ray images make it possible to detect tumors that cannot be felt. Screening mammograms can also find microcalcifications (tiny deposits of calcium) that sometimes indicate the presence of breast cancer. Mammograms can also be used to check for breast cancer after a lump or other sign or symptom of the disease has been found. This type of mammogram is called a diagnostic mammogram. Besides a lump, signs of breast cancer can include breast pain, thickening of the skin of the breast, nipple discharge, or a change in breast size or shape; however, these signs may also be signs of benign conditions. A diagnostic mammogram can also be used to evaluate changes found during a screening mammogram or to view breast tissue when it is difficult to obtain a screening mammogram because of special circumstances, such as the presence of breast implants

What is the difference between screening and diagnostic mammograms?

Diagnostic mammography takes longer than screening mammography because more x-rays are needed to obtain views of the breast from several angles. The technician may magnify a suspicious area to produce a detailed picture that can help the doctor make an accurate diagnosis.

How are abnormal mammograms classified?

The American College of Radiology (ACR) has established a uniform way for radiologists to describe mammogram findings. The system, called BI-RADS, includes seven standardized categories, or levels. Each BI-RADS category has a follow-up plan associated with it to help radiologists and other physicians appropriately manage a patient’s care. Breast Imaging Reporting and Database System (BI-RADS) Category Assessment Follow-up 0 Need additional imaging evaluation Additional imaging needed before a category can be assigned 1 Negative Continue regular screening mammograms (for women over age 40) 2 Benign (noncancerous) finding Continue regular screening mammograms (for women over age 40) 3 Probably benign Receive a 6-month follow-up mammogram 4 Suspicious abnormality May require biopsy 5 Highly suggestive of malignancy (cancer) Requires biopsy 6 Known biopsy-proven malignancy (cancer) Biopsy confirms presence of cancer before treatment begins