We are now offering high-quality digital mammography at our Suburban location Monday thru Friday, 7:30-5.  The lives of many women have been saved thanks to early detection and treatment  of breast cancer.  Our goal is to ensure your safety, comfort and good health in a caring environment. A high quality mammogram is the most effective tool for detecting cancer early.  Early detection of breast cancer may allow more treatment options.  It could even mean saving your breast or your life.

We work with specially trained radiologists and registered technologists  dedicated to meeting your needs.

Our facility is accreditated by the American  College of Radiology and licensed by government agencies.  We work closely with expert surgeons and pathologists.

WHAT WE OFFER:

We offer two types of mammography services: Screening Mammography and Diagnostic Mammography

• Screening Mammogram:  an x-ray procedure that includes two views of each breast.  This type of mammogram is performed on women who have no noticeable breast symptoms.  It is a very simple, cost-effective technique that could save your life.  Your examination results will be promptly reported to you and your physician by a follow-up letter.  If your results reveal any changes or shows an area of concern, it does not mean that you have breast cancer, only that further studies are needed.

• Diagnostic Mammogram:  An x-ray procedure that includes two views of each breast with additional views as the radiologist deems necessary.  This type of mammogram is performed on women, who have lumps, nipple discharge, prior lumpectomies or biopsies, other breast symptoms, changes or concerns. A diagnostic mammogram may lead to additional procedures.

• Focal Spot Compression:  An additional mammographic view that focuses on a specific area of the breast that needs additional evaluation.

• Magnification Mammogram:  An enlarged image of a specific area of the breast to further evaluate an area of concern on a mammogram.

Remember, new medical advancements and early detection save lives.

HOW TO EXAMINE YOUR BREASTS

12. Look at your breast in a mirror to see if there is anything you haven’t noticed before such as:
    • Discharge from the nipples
    • Change in how the nipple looks
    • Change in how the skin looks

2. Still looking in the mirror,  join your hands behind your head and press them gently against the back of your neck.  Are there any changes from last month in how your breasts look.

3. Still looking in the mirror, press your hands on your hips.  Bow slightly forward, pulling your shoulders and elbows forward.  Look for changes since last month in how your breasts look.

4. When you’re in the shower and your skin is soapy, do this exam.  Raise your left arm.  Using 3 or 4 fingers of your right hand, begin at the outer edge of your breast. Press your fingers firmly into your breast and slowly move your hand in circles until you reach the nipple.  Make sure you examine the entire breast.  In the same way, examine the area between the breast and armpit, and then the armpit itself.  Do you feel any lumps under the skin?   Gently squeeze the nipple.  Is there any discharge?  Do the same thing with your right arm raised and your left hand examining your right breast.
   
   
5. Get out of the shower, dry off, and lie down on your back.  Repeat the same exam as in #4.

 

What symptoms of the breast should I see a medical professional for?

• Lumps, hard knots, thickening in any part of the breast.
• Unusual swelling, redness or increased warmth of your breast.
• Any change in your breast.
• Change in the size or shape of your breast.
• Dimpling or puckering of the skin on your breast.
• Itchy, sore or scaling area on the nipple.
• Pulling in of your nipple or other parts of your breast.
• Nipple discharge that starts suddenly.
• Unusual localized pain in the breast.

 

MAMMOGRAPHY TECHNOLOGIST

Brenda Stull, R.T.R.M., joined our family at Louisville OB/GYN in July 2008, where she helped get the mammography facility established.  She has been performing mammography for 12 years.  She is highly skilled in the accreditation process and MQSA inspection for mammography.  She takes great pride in her profession and strives to give the utmost care to patients.

She obtained her degree from Owensboro Community College in Owensboro, KY.  She has an Associates Degree in Science and an Associates Degree in Applied Science with a major in Radiography/Mammography.  She has worked in Radiology, CT and Ultrasound in various facilities in Louisville and Southern Indiana, where she also managed several mammography facilities.

Brenda enjoys working on her family farm in Meade County, KY, growing her own flowers, gardening, and quilting as well as spending time with her husband, five children and grandchildren.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What is a mammogram?
A mammogram is a special, safe and low dose x-ray of the breasts. Mammograms are used to help find breast cancer early, when it can still be cured. Mammograms are recommended for women at age 40, even if they have no signs of breast cancer.

What about younger women?
Mammograms are also recommended for younger women who have symptoms of breast cancer or who have a high risk of breast cancer.

Why are mammograms important?
A mammogram can save your life. Mammograms can show tumors that may be cancer long before they can be felt. Treating tumors when they are still small makes curing cancer easier.

How do you know if you are going to a qualified facility?
The Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) is a federal law that makes sure every mammography facility meets quality standards. The FDA ensures that facilities all around the country meet MQSA standards.

The FDA inspects and certifies all places in the United States where mammograms are done. Look for the FDA certificate at the clinic where you go for your mammograms. FDA certification means the clinic's equipment and staff meet federal standards and that your mammogram will be safe and of high quality.

What if I have breast implants?
When you call your facility to schedule a mammogram, tell them that you have breast implants because this procedure takes a little longer than a patient without implants. This will allow ample time  to have a thorough exam.  Breast implants can hide some breast tissue, which makes it difficult for the radiologist  to see breast cancer when looking at your mammogram. If the technologist taking your mammogram knows you have implants before perfoming the exam, she will make sure that as much breast tissue as possible can be seen on your mammograms by gently lifting the breast tissue slightly away from the implant.

How will I get the results of my mammogram?
Your facility will give you the results of your mammogram in easy-to-understand language.  If the results are normal, a letter will be mailed to the patient.  If there is a recommendation for follow-up, the technologist or your physicians will contact you and set up your additional exam.  If mailed, the letter containing your results must be sent within 30 days of your mammogram.  The facility also will send your doctor a medical report of your mammogram results.

How often should I get a mammogram?
Women 40 years and older should get a mammogram every year. Women who have had breast cancer or other breast problems or who have a family history of breast cancer, might need to start getting mammograms before age 40 or they might need to get them more often.  It is also recommended to get a baseline mammogram between the ages of 35-40, even if you are not having symptoms or have family history, just so a comparison will be available when you do reach the age of 40.  Early detection is the main key to curing breast cancer.

How do I get ready for a mammogram?
First, check with the place you are having the mammogram for any special instructions you may need to follow before you go.  Here are some general guidelines to follow:

• Make your mammogram appointment for one week after your period. Your breast hurts less after your period.
• If you have breast implants, be sure to tell your mammography facility that you have them when you make your appointment.
• Wear a shirt with shorts, pants, or a skirt.  This way, you can undress from the waist up and leave your shorts, pants, or skirt on when you get your mammogram.
• Don’t wear any deodorant, perfume, lotion, or powder under your arms or on your breast on the day of the mammogram appointment.  These things can make shadows show up on your mammogram.

Are there different kinds of breast exams?
Three kinds of exams can help detect breast cancer:

• Mammography
• Doctor’s exam
• Self-exam

It’s important to have a doctor examine your breasts at least once a year.  It’s also important to examine your breasts yourself once a month.

Some women find it’s easier to do this at the same time each month, for example, when your menstrual period ends.