Breast health

Mammography is an excellent screening test for breast cancer. This diagnostic exam uses X-rays to make a picture of breast tissue. Mammograms can detect tumors up to two years before you or your doctor can feel the lump.

Mammograms generally take 20 to 30 minutes,. Some women experience some discomfort while the breast is being compressed between the plates of the X-ray machine. We advise scheduling a mammogram for when the breast tissue is least tender, which is usually the week after your menstrual period.

We have a state-of-the-art private suite outfitted with 3D digital mammography (also known as digital breast tomosynthesis), advanced imaging technology with computer aided detection (CAD). 3D digital mammography has expanded our ability to detect breast cancer earlier in more women.

During a 3D mammogram, low X-ray energy is used during the screening, so your radiation exposure is below the FDA guidelines. A technologist will take images of your breast from different angles, which will be reviewed by a radiologist who studies them and reports the results to your physician.

3D mammography allows physicians to examine your breast tissue layer by layer. Instead of viewing all the complexities of your breast tissue in one flat image, the radiologist can examine the tissue one page or “slice” at a time. Fine details are more visible and not hidden by the tissue above or below, often reducing the need for follow-up imaging procedures.

If your physician has requested you to bring images to your next office visit, please let our radiology team know when you check in. This allows us to ensure your images will be ready shortly after your exam.

If you need to request a copy of your images any time after your exam, please call the diagnostic imaging department at (954) 978‑4186.

According to Sarah Cannon, the cancer institute of HCA Healthcare, 12 percent of women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer. It is the second most prevalent cancer among American women. One of the best weapons we have in the fight against it, is knowledge.

Receiving annual breast cancer screenings and knowing the signs of breast cancer can aid in early detection of the disease, which typically leads to more positive outcomes.

We are proud to have a fellowship-trained breast mammographer available on-site to read your mammograms. If you are having a diagnostic mammogram (non-routine or preventative), the doctor will read it while you wait and provide your results before you go home.

For all mammograms, including routine screenings, the doctor will read your mammogram and our hospital will send a letter regarding your results to you and a detailed medical report to your ordering physician.

Symptoms of breast cancer include:

• A lump under your arm or on your breast
• Discharge from the breasts (other than breast milk)
• Inwardly turned nipple
• Pain in the breasts
• Pain in the nipples
• Scaling or redness developing on the nipple or breast skin
• Swelling of the breasts

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider for a checkup.