MicroDose Mammography is a type of X-ray machine for low-dose mammography used in more than 24 countries worldwide. It uses a unique technique called photon counting, based on research at the CERN in Geneva, Switzerland and KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden. This provides excellent quality images at low dose and offers several benefits for a woman undergoing mammography. It was designed in close collaboration with both clinical staff and patients to provide high ergonomics.
A mammography examination with Philips MicroDose Mammography means a dose reduction of 18 to 50% compared to that used on other digital mammography systems, with an average dose reduction of 40%, while providing your doctor with outstanding quality images, So your doctor can make a confident diagnosis, and you can feel confident that you are getting a low radiation dose.
Low dose mammography can enhance the efficiency of screening programs by increasing the diagnostic confidence of clinicians and also by avoiding unnecessary radiation exposure. Also MicroDose Mammography has a slightly curved surface where the breast is placed for the X‐ray. Because you will be leaning into the machine a little, this provides comfort since the surface fits the curvature of the upper body and ribs better, compared to other systems which have a completely straight surface.
Furthermore, the contact area with your breast is nicely warmed to body temperature. The benefit of this is not only that it provides comfort for you as a patient, but since you may be more relaxed, it will facilitate the staff in taking care of you to position you correctly and get a good quality image. This may help to avoid having to do extra images, which sometimes is the case when the breast is not positioned correctly the first time.
What’s more, MicroDose not only provides comfort, it also makes exams easy for your doctor and the other staff working at your breast clinic. Examinations are quick and the system is easy to work with, benefiting both you and the radiographer.
This type of mammogram is for women who have no symptoms. A baseline, or starting point for comparison, is performed for women at age 40. Then it is recommended that mammograms be performed every year after that.
This type of mammogram is performed when some kind of unusual or abnormal condition has been detected. This could be a lump or unusual breast condition that you may have found during your own breast self-exam, following a routine screening mammogram, as a result of something your doctor detected during your breast examination or as a result of your own breast history. These types of mammograms generally take a little longer than screening mammograms, as they often include additional special angulation or compression views.
This type of mammogram is for women who have no symptoms. A baseline, or starting point for comparison, is performed for women at age 40. Then it is recommended that mammograms be performed every 1 to 2 years after that. If there is a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, your doctor may recommend a screening mammogram at a younger age.
When scheduling your appointment provide us with your email address and we will send you your personalized forms with your information already filled in. If your email address is not provided, you can still save time by downloading the Registration forms and completing them prior to arriving at the office. Present your prescription, insurance card and completed forms at the front desk. If any additional forms are required, they will be given to you at this time.
After changing into a gown, you will stand in front of a special x-ray machine. The technologist will place your breasts, one at a time, between two plates. The plates will move to compress and flatten your breast, giving a very uniform breast thickness so that a clear picture of your breast tissue can be taken. You will feel a little pressure, but it is only for a few seconds. The flatter your breast tissue, the better the picture. For screening mammograms, multiple images are taken of each breast from above and from different angles.
A mammography takes about 15 minutes.
One of our board certified radiologist specializing in breast imaging interprets your mammogram, compares them to any previous studies and dictates a report which is transcribed, proofread and signed. You will also receive an email or a letter directly from Stockdale Radiology within one-to-two weeks of the mammogram. If our radiologist feels you need additional views, we will contact you to schedule an appointment and we will also notify your doctor. You will also receive yearly reminders for your annual screening mammogram.