Digital Mammography

                                                                                     Types of Mammography Exams

• Digital Screening
• Digital Diagnostic

Conditions Mammography Detects

• Calcifications
• Macrocalcifications
• Microcalcifications
• Masses
• Cyst
• Benign breast conditions
• Breast cancer

Prepare for your Mammography exam

Desert Valley Radiology now provides the quality and convenience of state-of-the-art, full-field digital Mammography to our referring physicians and patients. Full-field digital Mammography provides better imaging, a lower dose of radiation for the patient and magnified computer images including CAD (computer aided detection) to assist with an accurate diagnosis. Reduced repeat exposures and the associated discomfort of additional views is another patient benefit of full-field digital Mammography.

What is Mammography?

Mammography is the most effective method for detecting a breast cancer in the earliest, most easily treatable stage, long before it can be detected by physician examination. Screening mammography is used for women who are not experiencing any symptoms. A diagnostic mammogram may be ordered when a woman is experiencing pain, a discharge, if they have found a lump, or when a screening mammogram reveals an abnormality or suspicious area.

Mammogram images are generated with the use of a low-dose x-ray system and are then evaluated on a computer by one of our Radiologists.

Mammography is a type of procedure that uses a low-dose X-ray system to examine the tissue of the breasts. Mammography is used as a screening tool to detect early breast cancer in women experiencing no symptoms and as a diagnostic tool to detect and diagnose breast disease in women experiencing symptoms such as a lump, pain or nipple discharge, or when an initial screening mammogram reveals an abnormality or suspicious area.

Preparing for a Mammogram

On the day of your mammogram, you should not wear any deodorant, talc or powder deodorants that may cause artifacts during imaging and mimic breast disease. Wear comfortable and loose-fitting two-piece clothing without metal such as snaps, zippers or belt buckles that can reduce image quality. Limit metal jewelry for the same reasons. If you are pregnant or think you may be, inform your physician or our staff prior to your mammogram. If you experience monthly breast tenderness, we suggest you schedule your exam at a less painful time of the month. You may also consider taking an over-the-counter pain reliever just prior to your exam.

What should you expect?

Normally, two images are taken of each breast during a mammogram. Each breast will be positioned on an imaging plate and then gently compressed. While two pictures are generally captured of each breast, it is fairly common for additional images to be taken or for you to be asked to return for additional imaging to ensure a thorough examination has been completed.

When and how will you receive your results?

After your mammogram is complete, one of our Radiologists will interpret your exam and prepare a report for your physician. Your physician will call you when the report is completed and will discuss your results with you.

Mammograms are performed at:

Phoenix North (Bell)
Phoenix West (Indian School)

To schedule an appointment, contact us.