Mammography

Mammography can show small cancers up to two years before a lump is palpable, and when combined with FNA or biopsy can determine whether a lump is cancer or benign. Early detection increases the overall effectiveness of cancer treatment. Lake Imaging now offer Mammography, 3D Mammography (Tomosynthesis) and Hookwire localisation.

Around 10% of all breast cancers will not be identified by mammography alone. Ultrasound is often used to further assess breast tissue and improve detection rates.

The key difference between a screening mammogram and a diagnostic mammogram is the reason why a mammogram is requested. A screening mammogram is for review of asymptomatic women taken either once a year, or every two years. In women aged 50-69 years, a screening mammogram is the best way to detect unsuspected cancer at an early stage.

A diagnostic mammogram is used to assess suspected abnormalities, such as a lump, nipple discharge, change in breast size or shape, or implant rupture.

At Gore Diagnostic Imaging our mammography and ultrasound equipment, and image processors are subject to quality assurance programs to ensure we maintain high standards, for optimal patient care.

Please bring along any previous mammography or ultrasound films and reports so that the radiologist can compare imaging and more accurately assess any changes since the last examination.

A referral from your doctor and an appointment is required for this examination.

If you experience tenderness in the breast before your menstrual period, do not schedule the examination during this time. The best time is one week following your menstrual period, unless the examination is urgent. If you have breast implants or require wheelchair access, please advise our staff at the time of making your appointment as we may need to allocate a longer appointment time.

Please avoid using talcum powder and underarm deodorant on the day of your mammogram, because some products cause an artefact on the mammogram. You can eat and drink normally on the day.

You’ll be more comfortable if you wear a two-piece outfit for your mammogram. The radiographer will ask you to remove all clothing and from the waist up and wear a gown. You may need to remove jewellery from the chest and neck region.

Please bring along any previous mammograms so that our radiologist can accurately compare films and assess any changes, since your last mammogram.

A qualified radiographer will take one or two x-rays of each breast, which will be positioned and compressed between two flat plates, for around 15 seconds. This might feel uncomfortable, but compression of the breast tissue improves image quality and shows abnormal tissue more clearly.

An experienced radiologist will interpret and report on the mammogram. Your doctor will receive a comprehensive report about the findings.  You will then need to return to the doctor who referred you to discuss your results. Book your follow-up appointment at least two days after your mammogram.

For mammography, the radiation dose a patient receives is very low. The radiographer will set the equipment for the lowest dose of radiation possible, while still achieving high-quality images. Mammography is generally safe for women with implants, but there is a very small risk that the pressure placed on the implant might cause it to rupture.  Our experienced mammography radiographers will discuss this with you prior to your mammogram.