Mammography Exams

Mammography is a safe medical diagnostic test that is used in the early detection of breast cancer. A mammogram is a low-dose x-ray of the breast that allows your physician to see breast cancer before a lump appears. The Breast Health Center at Covenant Mackinaw performs over fifteen thousand mammograms annually, helping patients from all over northeastern Lower Michigan. The center offers digital mammography, computer aided detection (CAD) and 3D Tomosynthesis, which aids us in earlier detection and prevention of breast cancer. 
Automated Full Breast Ultrasound is also available to supplement mammograms for women with dense breasts or implants.

Breast Needle Localization Under (Mammography or Ultrasound)

PREPARATION: 
Mammography and Ultrasound films must be at the Breast Health Center at the Mackinaw Campus at least 3 days prior to this procedure.

EXAM DESCRIPTION:
The Needle Localization is used to locate the exact site of a small lump - (one that can not be felt). A special type of needle with a wire is guided into the lump during mammography. When the needle reaches the site, a small wire is left in the lump and the needle is removed. The patient is then taken to surgery for the removal of the lump. By localizing the lesion, the surgeon is able to remove the lump without removing a large amount of normal tissue.

LENGTH OF TIME INVOLVED:  
Approximately 1 hour.

Digital Mammography

PREPARATION: 
Patient must have a physician’s order in order to schedule his or her own appointment.

EXAM DESCRIPTION: 
This is a low-dose x-ray of the breasts. The patient will usually have 4 films taken: two of each breast. The breast will be compressed during filming. Breast compression is not dangerous and does not damage the tissue.  

LENGTH OF TIME INVOLVED: 
Approximately 25 minutes.

Ductogram

PREPARATION: 
Patient must be having nipple discharge on the day of the exam. If patient has current films, they will need to bring them with them, otherwise, routine views will be taken.

EXAM DESCRIPTION: 
A tiny cannula is placed into the duct orifice producing the discharge. Once it is cannulated, a tiny amount of contrast is injected into the duct. Standard cc and lateral mammography views are taken with the contrast to check for filling defects.

LENGTH OF TIME INVOLVED:
Approximately 1 hour.

Full Breast Ultrasound

PREPARATION:
If any prior mammogram films have been taken from an outside facility, they MUST be at the Breast Health Center prior to the exam.

EXAM DESCRIPTION:
Sound waves are used to supplement mammography in screening patients with dense breasts or implants.

LENGTH OF TIME INVOLVED:
30 minutes.

PHYSIOLOGIC REASONS FOR THE PREPARATION:
Dense breast and implants can conceal small cancers in mammography. Full breast ultrasound, in conjunction with mammography, increases the detection rate of cancer in dense breasts and patients with implants.

SCHEDULING INFORMATION:
Schedule in a Breast Ultrasound room at the Mackinaw Campus.

Mammography

PREPARATION: 
If previous mammogram films have been taken at another facility they MUST be at the Mackinaw Breast Health Center at the time of the exam for comparison.

EXAM DESCRIPTION:   
This is a low-dose x-ray of the breasts. The patient will usually have 4 films taken; two of each breast. The breast will be compressed during filming. Breast compression is not dangerous and does not damage the tissue. If additional views are needed, then specialized views such as spot compression or magnification views are taken to help spread out the breast tissue. Both require compression with a small paddle over just the area of concern.

LENGTH OF TIME INVOLVED: 
Approximately 30 minutes, up to 1 hour if a breast ultrasound is added on.

Stereotactic Biopsy, MIBB

PREPARATION: 
The ordering physician must fax over patients history and physical information. Previous mammography films must be at the Breast Health Center for the Radiologist to review again. A Radiology Nurse from the Mackinaw Campus will call the patient prior to the exam to question them about any other medical problems and to explain the procedure. If the patient is on any blood thinners, they must be off these medications for 7 days prior to the procedure.

EXAM DESCRIPTION: 
This exam uses both mammography and the computer to localize a breast abnormality. The patient lies face down on a table with her breast suspended through an opening. The patient's breast will be numbed and a radiologist will make a small skin nick to insert the biopsy needle into the lesion. Several tissue samples will be taken through the needle. Following the biopsy, Steri-strips, a pressure dressing and ice pack are applied.

LENGTH OF TIME INVOLVED: 
Scanning time is approximately 1 and 1/2 hours total. Patients will be instructed to arrive 45 minutes prior to their procedure time.