Frequently Asked Questions About Mammograms, Breast Exams, and Screenings

If your prior mammograms were not performed at a Lifespan imaging center, either bring the previous films with you or let our secretary know where it was done when you book your examination.

Do not wear deodorant or antiperspirant on the day of your mammogram because they may interfere with the mammographic images.

Breast ultrasound is a test using sound waves to image a palpable lump or an abnormality seen on a mammogram. The exam is performed by a certified technologist and interpreted by a board certified radiologist. Ultrasound does not produce any radiation. To perform the study, the technologist places gel on the breast and scans it with an ultrasound probe which is just like a fancy microphone. No preparation is needed for a breast ultrasound. Our ultrasound machine is specially designed for breast imaging.

The ultrasound-guided breast biopsy is performed by a board certified radiologist who specializes in breast imaging. The radiologist is assisted by an ultrasound technologist who also specializes in breast imaging. This team has experience in these biopsies. Before you arrive, the radiologist will have studied your imaging exams to become familiar with the location of the abnormality.

After checking in, you will be asked to change into a hospital gown and escorted to the biopsy suite. Occasionally, additional images may be obtained before the procedure for more precise evaluation.

The technologist will ask you to lie down on the examination table, making sure you are as comfortable as possible.

The first part of the procedure will seem much like your original breast ultrasound. Your breast will be scanned and the technologist and radiologist will mark your skin over the abnormality. The radiologist will clean your breast with antiseptic. Next, the radiologist will numb the part of the breast to be biopsied by injecting a local anesthetic. This is done with a tiny needle, and you may feel a stinging at this point. After the local anesthetic has taken effect, the radiologist will place the needle using the image as a guide and take several samples.

If you are on a prescription blood thinning medication such as Coumadin or have a medical condition that requires you to take aspirin, please consult your physician prior to scheduling this exam.

A bandage and ice are applied to the biopsy site after the procedure. The area may bruise and feel a little sore; over the counter medication such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) should relieve any discomfort. We recommend you avoid exercise or any strenuous activity for 24 hours after the procedure. The team performing the biopsy will give you instructions for aftercare.

The tissue samples will be sent to a pathologist after the biopsy. The pathologist will examine the tissue under a microscope and send a report to your doctor within a few days. We will work with your doctor to make sure you receive your results as soon as possible. Results will also be available on MyLifespan.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of large magnets and radio frequencies, instead of x-rays to produce detailed images of the breast. MRI may be done with or without an IV injection of contrast (dye) depending upon the indication for the test. MRI does not replace mammography, but may be used if additional information is considered necessary by your doctor.

A breast MRI involves no radiation (x-rays). A mammography uses x-rays to examine the inside tissue of the breast.

Breast MRI is indicated as a supplement to mammography screening in women at high risk for breast cancer. If you think you may be at high risk for breast cancer, speak to your provider or our nurse practitioner, as they can determine if an MRI may be indicated. Breast MRI is sometimes also used in women with recently diagnosed breast cancer as an aid to the surgeon in planning treatment.

Breast MRI with contrast injection is excellent at detecting breast cancer and can find cancers in some women that may not be detected by other methods. Breast MRI without contrast is used for evaluating silicone implants to see if they are intact or ruptured.

Although breast MRI has a very high percentage rate of detecting breast cancer, it may also detect other breast processes that are not cancerous. This may require a follow-up exam or biopsy for further evaluation. Breast MRI also cannot detect some early types of cancer, which is why it cannot replace a mammogram. There are some patients who cannot have an MRI due to implanted devices such as a pacemaker.

After the scan is finished, one of our board-certified radiologists will interpret the study and send a report to your doctor within 24 hours. Results will also be available on MyLifespan.