Mammography

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women – about one in eight U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer in her lifetime – but thanks to advances in early detection and treatment, it is also one of the most treatable forms of cancer. 

Mon Health Medical Center’s Women’s Imaging Center provides a comfortable and private atmosphere in which patients receive state-of-the-art digital breast imaging and breast health education. 

A mammogram is a high-resolution X-ray that is one of the best methods for detecting abnormalities in the breast. It can reveal tumors and other changes too small to be felt on self-examination. Women's imaging offers the standard mammogram and digital tomosynthesis, or 3D mammography, which creates a 3-dimensional picture of the breast using X-rays. This is different from a standard mammogram in the same way a CT scan of the chest is different from a standard chest X-ray. Think of the difference between a ball and a circle - one is 3-dimensional; the other is flat. Digital tomosynthesis still requires breast compression to capture the image.

Patients who are scheduled for a diagnostic mammogram will get the 3D mammogram performed.  Diagnostic exams are performed on patients who have breast complaints or are scheduled for a follow-up mammogram.

Patients who are scheduled for a screening mammogram may get the 3D mammogram performed. Patients should contact their insurance companies to confirm coverage of 3D Mammography prior to the exam.

All mammograms at the Women’s Imaging Center are performed by female technologists who make the procedure as comfortable as possible for each patient. 

Mon Health's mammography service is accredited by the American College of Radiology.

On the day of your exam:

• Take a shower or bath before your mammogram. Do not wear any powder or deodorant (spray, roll-on, or stick). Wear a two-piece outfit, as you will be undressing from the waist up.
• Come to the Women’s Imaging Center just inside the main hospital entrance and to the right in the main lobby.

During your exam:

• The breasts will be compressed between two plates and some pressure will be applied to get a clear picture. Usually, two X-rays are taken of each breast, one from the top and one from the side.
• The test will take about 30 minutes.

After your exam: 

Your test will be processed at the Women's Imaging Center, interpreted by our hospital radiologists, who will send the results to your doctor. 

• You also will receive a letter in the mail explaining the findings of your exam. If you have any questions about the results, please call your doctor.

To schedule a mammogram, please call the (304) 285-2250. Remember, you must have a doctor's referral to schedule a mammogram.

• Reminder – If you have questions or concerns before, during, or after your procedure, call us at (304) 598-1289, or ask the nurse or technologist. We need your input, questions, and concerns to provide you with the best care, so please speak up!