Mammograms

A screening mammogram differs from a diagnostic one. A screening mammogram checks for breast cancer in a woman who shows no signs or symptoms of the illness. A diagnostic mammogram is used to check for breast cancer in a woman who has a lump, symptoms of disease, or is identified as high risk.

Edward-Elmhurst Health offers a revolutionary new breast imaging tool called three-dimensional (3D) mammography, also known as breast tomosynthesis. A 3D mammogram takes multiple digital images of breast tissue from a variety of angles to create a 3D picture of the breast. This helps our radiologists identify and characterize individual breast structures without the confusion of overlapping tissue.

3D mammography makes it easier for doctors to catch breast cancer early, reduces the chances of a false positive result, and is especially helpful for women with dense breast tissue.

Schedule online to find locations that offer 3D mammography or call 630-527-3200 and ask for a 3D screening mammogram.

Modern-day mammography involves a tiny amount of radiation exposure, even less than a standard chest X-ray. While repeated X-rays can increase the risk of breast cancer over time, the risk is very small. Studies show the benefits of receiving a mammogram outweigh the risks of radiation exposure for most women. Read our blog to learn more.

During a mammogram, a woman’s breast is placed on a flat support plate and compressed with a parallel plate called a paddle. This evens out the tissue and the thickness of the breast so the mammography unit can get a clear picture of the breast.

Everyone experiences mammograms differently. Some women feel nothing at all, while other women are more sensitive. You can make your mammogram more comfortable by scheduling your appointment after your menstrual cycle has completed and avoiding caffeine. Consider taking an over-the-counter pain medicine like acetaminophen (Tylenol) to help ease discomfort.

The decision about when and how often to get a mammogram is a personal choice you should make after talking with your doctor.

A mammogram is recommended annually for women starting at age 40 and then every two years from ages 50-74. Women at high risk for breast cancer should begin screening earlier. Your doctor can help you decide when and how often you should get screened.

Edward-Elmhurst Health has been designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology (ACR), and both hospitals have earned accreditation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC). Accreditation by the NAPBC is granted only to those centers that are voluntarily committed to providing the best possible care to patients with diseases of the breast.

Edward-Elmhurst Health performs an average of nearly 50,000 mammograms each year. All of our mammography exams are read by expert physicians who are board certified by the ACR. We also offer a Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Program, a High-Risk Breast Clinic and leading-edge breast technology and care.

At Edward-Elmhurst Health, you do not need a doctor’s order to request an appointment, as long as you are age 40 or older and you do not have any symptoms or a history of breast cancer.

Protect your health and make an appointment with same-day results. Schedule your annual screening mammogram online now.

Edward-Elmhurst Health makes it easier to schedule your mammogram and get your results. We offer convenient appointments and same-day results for mammograms and you don’t need a doctor’s order to request an appointment (as long as you are age 40 or older, and do not have symptoms or a history of breast cancer).

Schedule your annual screening mammogram online now or call 630-527-3200.

Molecular Breast Imaging (MBI) is a new way of providing functional images of the breast. This new technology supplements mammography by helping to detect breast cancer in women with dense breast tissue and those with a higher risk of breast cancer.

Unlike mammography, MBI does not use X-rays, but rather principles of nuclear medicine in detecting a tumor. This gives your physician the ability to compare anatomical and functional images from similar perspectives and look at cellular activity within the breast, instead of focusing on breast tissue.

A doctor may recommend an MBI exam when additional functional information about a suspected lesion is required either during diagnosis or treatment of breast cancer. A physician referral is required for an MBI. Contact your physician to determine if MBI is right for you.

Schedule your annual screening mammogram online now or call 630-527-3200.