A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray of the breast used to look for signs of breast cancer and other breast abnormalities. Mammograms can detect some breast cancers before a lump can be felt or other symptoms develop, making them an important tool for early breast cancer detection.
If you’re due for breast cancer screening, have been told you have dense breasts, or have noticed a change in your breast, understanding how mammograms work can make the process feel much less intimidating.
For women looking for a mammogram in Jacksonville or Orlando, Florida, here’s what you should know about screening and diagnostic mammograms, 3D mammography, breast density, when to get screened, and what to expect during your appointment.
What Does a Mammogram Look For?
Mammography uses a small amount of X-ray radiation to create detailed images of breast tissue. A radiologist examines these images for changes or abnormalities that may require further evaluation.
Mammograms can reveal breast changes that may be too small to feel, including masses and tiny calcium deposits called calcifications.
An abnormal mammogram does not necessarily mean you have breast cancer. Sometimes additional mammogram images, breast ultrasound, MRI, or a biopsy may be recommended to better understand a finding.
There are two primary types of mammograms: screening mammograms and diagnostic mammograms.
Screening Mammogram vs. Diagnostic Mammogram
Although both exams use mammography, screening and diagnostic mammograms serve different purposes.
What Is a Screening Mammogram?
A screening mammogram is performed when you don’t have breast symptoms or a known abnormality. Its purpose is to look for early signs of breast cancer before symptoms develop.
During a typical screening mammogram, images of each breast are taken from multiple angles and reviewed by a radiologist.
At Precision Imaging Centers, a physician referral is not required for a routine screening mammogram.
What Is a Diagnostic Mammogram?
A diagnostic mammogram is used when there is a specific breast concern or an area that needs closer evaluation.
Your healthcare provider may recommend diagnostic mammography if you:
- Feel a new breast lump
- Have persistent or localized breast pain
- Notice nipple discharge or nipple changes
- Develop dimpling, puckering, or other changes in the skin of the breast
- Have a finding on a screening mammogram that needs further evaluation
- Need follow-up imaging of a previously identified breast finding
Diagnostic mammography generally includes additional or specialized images of the area in question. Depending on the finding, breast ultrasound or another imaging test may also be recommended.
When Should You Start Getting Mammograms?
There’s no single breast cancer screening schedule that’s appropriate for everyone.
For women at average risk, the American Cancer Society recommends giving women ages 40 to 44 the option to begin annual mammograms. Women ages 45 to 54 should receive a mammogram every year. Beginning at age 55, women can transition to screening every two years or continue annual screening.
Other medical organizations have somewhat different recommendations, which is why your screening schedule should take your age, health, personal and family history, breast cancer risk, and your healthcare provider’s recommendations into account.
Some people at higher risk for breast cancer may need to begin screening earlier or receive additional breast imaging.
Factors that can affect screening recommendations include:
- A strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer
- Certain inherited genetic mutations, including BRCA1 or BRCA2
- Previous radiation therapy to the chest at a young age
- A personal history of breast cancer
- Other factors associated with an increased lifetime risk of breast cancer
If you’re unsure when you should begin mammograms, talk with your healthcare provider about your individual breast cancer risk and screening options.
What Is a 3D Mammogram?
A 3D mammogram, also known as digital breast tomosynthesis or DBT, is an advanced form of mammography.
During 3D mammography, the machine captures multiple images of the breast from different angles. A computer reconstructs those images into thin sections, allowing the radiologist to examine breast tissue in greater detail.
Research suggests that 3D mammography can lower the likelihood of being called back for additional imaging after a screening mammogram and can detect some cancers that may not be seen on a standard 2D mammogram. It may also be particularly useful for women with dense breast tissue.
Precision Imaging Centers offers 3D mammography in Jacksonville and Orlando, FL for both screening and diagnostic breast imaging.
What Are Dense Breasts?
Breast density describes the amount of fibrous and glandular tissue in your breasts compared with fatty tissue. Breast density isn’t something you can determine by looking at or feeling your breasts. It is identified through mammography.
Dense breasts are common. About half of women who have mammograms have dense breast tissue.
Breast density is important for two reasons:
- Dense tissue can make some cancers more difficult to see on a mammogram because dense tissue and many breast abnormalities both appear white on the image.
- Dense breast tissue is associated with a higher risk of developing breast cancer compared with less-dense breast tissue.
Federal mammography standards require patients to be informed whether their breast tissue is considered dense or not dense in their mammography results.
Having dense breasts does not mean you should skip mammography. Mammograms remain an important breast cancer screening tool. Depending on your breast density and other risk factors, your healthcare provider may discuss whether additional breast imaging is appropriate.
What Happens During a Mammogram?
A mammogram is usually a relatively quick exam.
A specially trained mammography technologist will position one breast at a time on the mammography machine. A second plate will gently but firmly compress the breast while images are taken.
Compression helps spread the breast tissue so the radiologist can see it more clearly. It also helps reduce motion and allows high-quality images to be obtained using a low dose of radiation.
You’ll be asked to remain still for a few seconds while each image is taken. The technologist will reposition you as needed to obtain the necessary views.
The compression itself lasts only briefly for each image.
Does a Mammogram Hurt?
Everyone experiences mammography differently.
Breast compression can feel uncomfortable, tight, or briefly painful, particularly if your breasts are tender. However, the pressure only lasts while each image is being taken.
If you’re concerned about discomfort, tell your mammography technologist. Proper positioning is important for getting high-quality images, but your technologist can also help make the experience as comfortable as possible.
Precision Imaging Centers’ mammography staff is specifically trained to minimize discomfort while obtaining high-quality breast images.
How Should I Prepare for a Mammogram?
Mammograms require very little preparation, but a few simple steps can make your appointment easier.
On the day of your mammogram:
- Avoid applying deodorant, antiperspirant, powder, lotion, or cream around your breasts or underarms unless your imaging center tells you otherwise.
- Consider wearing a two-piece outfit so you only need to undress from the waist up.
- Tell your technologist if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, are breastfeeding, have breast implants, or have noticed any recent breast changes.
- Let the imaging center know about previous mammograms performed elsewhere. Comparing current images with earlier studies can be helpful to the radiologist.
If your breasts tend to become tender during your menstrual cycle, you may also prefer to schedule your mammogram for a time when they are less sensitive.
What Happens After a Mammogram?
A radiologist reviews your mammogram and looks for areas that may require additional evaluation. Your mammogram report will also include information about your breast density.
Sometimes patients are called back for additional images after a screening mammogram.
A callback does not mean you have breast cancer. It means the radiologist needs additional information or wants to examine a particular area more closely.
Additional evaluation may include:
- Diagnostic mammography
- Breast ultrasound
- Breast MRI
- Biopsy, when appropriate
Precision Imaging Centers offers same-day results for diagnostic mammograms.
Are Mammograms Safe?
Mammograms use a low dose of ionizing radiation. The amount of radiation is kept low while still producing images that allow radiologists to evaluate breast tissue effectively.
For people for whom screening is recommended, the benefits of mammography for early breast cancer detection generally outweigh the small risk associated with radiation exposure.
If you’re pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your healthcare provider and mammography technologist before your exam.
Do You Need a Referral for a Mammogram in Florida?
For routine screening mammography at Precision Imaging Centers, a physician referral is not required.
Requirements can be different for diagnostic mammography or additional breast imaging. If you have a lump, pain, nipple discharge, another breast symptom, or have already received an abnormal screening result, contact Precision Imaging Centers or your healthcare provider to determine which type of appointment you need.
Insurance requirements can also vary, so patients with questions about coverage should check their individual plan before their appointment.
Mammograms in Jacksonville, FL
If you’re looking for a mammogram in Jacksonville, Florida, Precision Imaging Centers provides 3D mammography and breast imaging at its Jacksonville-area imaging centers.
The Jacksonville Imaging Center is located at:
7860 Gate Parkway, Unit 123
Jacksonville, FL 32256
3D mammography is available at the Jacksonville location along with additional diagnostic imaging services.
Precision Imaging Centers also serves patients throughout Northeast Florida, with locations in Mandarin, Fleming Island, and St. Augustine.
For routine breast cancer screening, patients can schedule a 3D screening mammogram without a physician referral.
Mammograms in Orlando, FL
Precision Imaging Centers also provides 3D mammography in Orlando, Florida at its Orlando–Millenia imaging center.
The Orlando Imaging Center is located at:
3900 Millenia Boulevard, Suite 250
Orlando, FL 32839
The Orlando–Millenia location offers 3D mammography along with breast ultrasound, MRI, and a range of additional diagnostic imaging services.
For Central Florida patients looking for a mammogram in Orlando, Precision Imaging Centers provides breast cancer screening in a comfortable outpatient imaging environment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mammograms
How long does a mammogram take?
The images themselves are taken quickly, with each breast compressed for only a short period at a time. Your overall appointment will take longer to allow for check-in, changing, positioning, and making sure all necessary images have been obtained.
What is the difference between a 2D and 3D mammogram?
A traditional 2D mammogram produces flat images of the breast. A 3D mammogram takes multiple images from different angles and reconstructs them into thin sections of breast tissue. This can help radiologists evaluate areas where breast tissue overlaps.
Can a mammogram detect breast cancer before you feel a lump?
Yes. One of the primary purposes of screening mammography is to find breast changes that could represent cancer before physical symptoms develop.
What if I have dense breasts?
Continue receiving mammograms according to the screening schedule recommended for you. Dense tissue can make some cancers more difficult to see and is associated with increased breast cancer risk, so talk with your healthcare provider about your breast density and overall risk.
Can I get a mammogram if I have breast implants?
Yes. People with breast implants can still receive mammograms. Tell the imaging center when scheduling and remind your technologist before the exam because additional images and specialized positioning may be needed.
What happens if my mammogram is abnormal?
An abnormal mammogram does not automatically mean breast cancer. Your radiologist may recommend additional mammogram views, ultrasound, MRI, or another test to better evaluate the area.
Can I get a mammogram without symptoms?
Yes. That’s what a screening mammogram is designed for. Screening mammography looks for possible signs of breast cancer in people who don’t currently have breast symptoms.
Where can I get a 3D mammogram in Jacksonville?
Precision Imaging Centers offers 3D mammography at its Jacksonville Imaging Center on Gate Parkway and serves additional Northeast Florida communities through its other imaging locations.
Where can I get a 3D mammogram in Orlando?
Precision Imaging Centers offers 3D mammography at its Orlando–Millenia Imaging Center at 3900 Millenia Boulevard in Orlando, Florida.
Schedule a 3D Mammogram in Jacksonville or Orlando
Routine mammography is one of the most important tools available for detecting breast cancer early. The exam itself is relatively quick, and 3D mammography gives radiologists detailed images of breast tissue to evaluate for potential abnormalities.
Precision Imaging Centers offers 3D screening and diagnostic mammography in Jacksonville and Orlando, Florida, with additional imaging centers serving Northeast Florida.
If you’re due for breast cancer screening, you can request an appointment with Precision Imaging Centers today. A physician referral is not required for routine screening mammography.
Schedule your mammogram online or call Precision Imaging Centers at 904-996-8100.
