A mammogram is a low dose x-ray of the breast used to identify tumors and other abnormalities. Mammography is widely regarded to be the most effective method of breast cancer detection, and has been shown to improve the chances of survival through early detection. You will be asked to remove clothing from the waist up. Your breasts are placed on the x-ray surface and a compression device is applied. The compression is crucial in producing accurate images of the breast tissue and may cause some mild discomfort temporarily. It is not dangerous and does not cause damage to the breast tissue.
Routinely, the technologist takes two views of each breast. After the films have been developed, these radiographs are checked by the technologist for clinical accuracy before you leave. Those films are then viewed the next day by a radiologist specially trained in the interpretation of breast images. Your results will be mailed to you within 30 days. If you do not receive your results, please contact the office where your exam was performed. If you are called back for additional images, and/or an ultrasound, please do not panic. In the majority of these cases, the extra images and/or ultrasound are of greater help to our radiologist in making their final diagnosis. At this time,your films will be viewed by a radiologist specially trained in the interpretation of breast images and you will be given a report of your findings before leaving.
Digital Mammography has arrived!
Mammograms play a central part in the early detection of breast cancer because they can detect changes in the breast that may be early signs of cancer, but are too small or subtle to be felt. Now a new technology called full field digital mammography has been shown to have an advantage in the early detection of breast cancer.
Benefits:
- More sensitive than standard film mammography
- May reduce the need for additional images and the amount of radiation exposure
- The electronic images can be transmitted quickly across our network
Digital Mammography is available at the following locations:
| Location / Day | MON | TUE | WED | THU | FRI | SAT | SUN |
| Calvert Medical Imaging Center | 7:30am to 6:00pm | 7:30am to 6:00pm | 7:30am to 6:00pm | 7:30am to 6:00pm | 7:30am to 5:00pm | 8:00am to 12:00pm | |
| Fleet Street | 8:00am to 4:00pm | 8:00am to 4:00pm | 8:00am to 4:00pm | 8:00am to 4:00pm | 8:00am to 4:00pm | ||
| Howard County | 7:15am to 7:30pm | 7:30am to 8:30pm | 7:15am to 7:30pm | 7:15am to 8:30pm | 7:30am to 7:30pm | 8:00am to 12:00pm |
*Hours vary for Digital Mammography appointments on Saturdays for Annapolis and Timonium Crossing, please call the office.
*Digital Mammography is offered two(2) Saturdays per month for Westminster, please call for availability.