Digital Mammography
Breast health screenings for early detection
When thinking about the importance of early detection and its positive effect on breast cancer survival rates, it's essential to note that mammography is a crucial part of the equation. Adventist Health Sonora’s Center for Breast Health has been awarded the gold seal of accreditation by the American College of Radiology.
We offer a digital mammography system designed with your comfort in mind. Adventist Health Sonora’s MAMMOMAT NovationDR meets the demands of modern mammography practices by providing digital screening and diagnosis.
Studies show that full-field digital mammography produces better results, detects details and helps us pinpoint disease and plan treatment. Plus, our technology provides women with the advantage of reducing radiation exposure by 20–30 percent compared to conventional analog systems.
When you visit our digital mammography center, you’ll find that we offer maximum patient access, comfort and imaging for all breast sizes. MAMMOMAT NovationDR has a large detector, which means, in most cases, only one exposure is necessary for a complete breast image. Its unique compression plate means less painful exams because only the pressure necessary for optimal image quality is applied. You’ll appreciate its speed, convenience and comfort. In addition, the use of a product called MammoPad provides a softer, warmer mammogram.
At the imaging center, we strive to offer women excellent diagnostic services while ensuring them optimum comfort for mammography.
Online scheduling is available
We know you are busy and finding time to call the doctor's office during normal business hours can be difficult. We offer online scheduling for mammograms so you can make your appointment any time that is convenient for you.
How to prepare for digital mammography
On the day of your exam, do not use deodorant, perfume or lotion anywhere from the waist up before the exam since such items can look like disease on the mammogram.
You will be asked to remove your clothes from the waist up and put on a robe or gown. You may be asked to remove your jewelry as well. There are secure lockers for your use in the mammography dressing room.
If possible, avoid scheduling your mammogram just before or during your menstrual period, especially if you have breast pain at that time. If you have breast implants, please inform the technologist before the exam.
During the exam
A digital mammogram generally takes about 30 minutes. During a mammography exam, the technologist positions the patient to image the breast from different angles and compresses the breast with a paddle to obtain optimal image quality. Unlike film-based mammography, digital mammograms produce images that appear on the technologist’s monitor in a matter of seconds.
With digital mammography, the radiologist or technologist reviews electronic images of the breast using special high-resolution monitors. The doctor or staff member can adjust the brightness, change contrast and zoom in for close-ups of specific areas of interest. This digital capability potentially saves additional time and reduces exposure to X-rays.
Following your exam, your physician will contact you to discuss the results. If there are areas of concern that may require additional images, you will be notified by your physician or our nurse navigator.
To schedule your diagnostic exam, call us at(209) 536-3437.
Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.