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Mammography is a low dose x-ray of the breast tissue. This test can be safely done on adult women (or men) at any age where there is clinical concern or a strong family history. However, a physician may order this test on women in their mid 40's, as a baseline exam, then more frequently once you are 50, as a routine screening. Grand River Hospital is now an affiliate site for the Ontario Breast Screening Program where patients can be referred by their family physician; or can be self referred without a doctor's order.
Our state-of-the-art equipment produces the highest quality film images and is capable of digital imaging and stereotactic core biopsies, and our qualified and dedicated staff work hard to make your test as comfortable as possible.
Please do not use deodorant, body powder, or put lotion on to the breast and underarm area on the day of your test. Please wear a 2-piece outfit, for your comfort.
These exams require the use of x-rays. Therefore, you should postpone any of these exams if there is any possibility that you could be pregnant.
- Routine/screening Mammogram: A doctor ordered exam booked with this department. In order to do a mammogram, you will need to undress from the waist up. The breast is placed on to the mammography unit and a compression paddle will then come in contact with the breast, gently spreading the breast tissue out. This pressure lasts for a few seconds while the x-ray is taken and then releases automatically. The compression does not harm the breast but helps to produce a clearer picture for the radiologist. Usually four images (2 of each breast) are taken. Please allow 30 minutes for the exam.
- OBSP/ Ontario Breast Screening Program
A doctor ordered exam or patient can self refer.
To qualify for this program you must be 50 years of age; have no clinical breast concerns, and have no prior history of breast cancer or breast implants (including previous implants removed).
This examination includes a routine screening mammogram as above and also includes a clinical breast exam performed by one of our OBSP certified nurse examiners. The nurse fills out a questionaire that includes all of your previous breast history to be entered into the Provincial Breast Screening database with your consent. The nurse performs a complete visual and physical exam on your breasts and if you desire will teach you how to properly perform breast self examination.
Please allow 40 minutes for an OBSP appointment in our department.
- Diagnostic Mammogram: As above, however extra views of the problem area and ultrasound of the area may be required. Please allow about one hour in the department.
- Breast Needle Localization: This is a pre-operative procedure to localize a non-palpable lesion, seen on a previous mammogram. The patient will have to follow the preparation for the operating room (i.e. no food….). With the use of the mammography unit we will introduce a needle and wire assembly into the breast. Once we are sure the area of concern is localized, the needle is removed and the guide wire remains in place until the surgical procedure in the operating room. The patient then goes to day surgery.
- Stereotactic Core Biopsy of the Breast: If a mammogram shows a questionable lesion, the doctor may feel that this non-operative procedure is required. In preparation for this exam, the patient should refrain from the use of any aspirin or blood thinning products for 48 hours. The patient may have a light breakfast the morning of the exam and should plan to be in the department for two hours. To do this procedure we use a state-of-the-art digital biopsy device, which can locate a lesion within the breast. Once located, local freezing is used and tissue samples are removed and sent for pathological testing. The patient may require a non-aspirin type of pain reliever (i.e. Tylenol) and icing to the biopsy site to reduce discomfort and bruising.
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