Digital Mammography
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women. DeTar Healthcare System provides helpful services to educate women on breast health, and encourage self-exams and routine screenings. We utilize imaging technology that may detect breast cancer at the earliest stages, when treatment can be most effective. The combination of caring technologists and imaging technology allows us to deliver quality care.
Call 361-788-6141 To Schedule a Screening
Call 361-788-6141 To Schedule a Screening
Digital Mammography
Mammography is an X-ray exam of the breasts used to screen for or diagnose breast cancer. DeTar Healthcare System offers digital imaging technology for mammograms. With digital technology, radiologists can zoom in on particular areas or change brightness or contrast for even greater visibility, and results can be read immediately. It offers numerous benefits to women, including:
-
Improved accuracy of screening exams, especially for women with dense breast tissue.
-
Less radiation exposure.
-
Greater image quality, reducing the need for repeat exams.
On the day of the exam, do not wear deodorant, talcum powder or lotion under your arms or on your breasts. Describe any breast symptoms or problems you may have to the technologist performing the exam. If possible, obtain prior mammograms and make them available to the radiologist at the time of the current exam.
The results of the mammogram are interpreted by one of our board-certified radiologists accredited in mammography by the American College of Radiology. They also use computer-aided detection (CAD) which is like a second set of eyes that looks at your mammogram. The report is sent to your physician who can discuss the results with you.
DeTar Healthcare System also offers 3D mammography. 3D mammograms provide improved visibility of breast tissue which may:
- Increase early detection of invasive cancers compared to 2D digital mammography alone.
- Decrease the need for “call back” or a second look
Low X-ray energy is used during the screening so radiation exposure is below the FDA guidelines and is the equivalent to current 2D mammograms.
To schedule your 3D mammogram, call 361-788-6141. A physician order is not necessary for a screening mammogram, but it is required for a diagnostic mammogram, breast ultrasound and DEXA. A physician order is also required for a screening mammogram for women under 40 years of age.
Appointments are on a first-come, first-served basis. A physician order is not required, but the patient must provide a physician’s name when an appointment is made. Mammography is offered at the Women's Diagnostic Center located on the DeTar North campus.