Locations:
Larchmont Medical Center II, Mt. Laurel
Medford Medical Center
Willingboro Imaging Center

Larchmont Imaging Associates is proud to be the first in Burlington County, New Jersey and its surrounding communities to offer DIGITAL MAMMOGRAPHY - a woman's newest ally in the fight against breast cancer.

Digital Mammography has been shown to improve cancer detection rates in women under age 50, in women with dense breast tissue of any age, and in women who are pre or peri-menopausal.

Digital mammography can be performed more quickly and efficiently with fewer call backs for additional views.

Early Detection

Mammography, along with monthly self-examinations and regular physical examinations of the breasts, provides the best chance for early detection of breast cancer. By detecting small tumors before they can be felt and before they have spread, the possibility of a cure is very high. Early detection makes it possible to give treatment and save the breast. Screening mammography is the key to early detection. This is the only way to find breast cancer before it can be felt. Having routine mammography in conjunction with physical examination is a vital part of your ongoing good breast health.

How to Prepare

Occasionally, a very early cancer is seen only when a radiologist compares your current mammogram to previous ones. Bring (or arrange the mailing of) all previous mammograms done at another facility. Comparison with these old films could be critically important to the interpretation of your mammogram.

Don't wear deodorant or powder. Some of these products may cause bright dots that look like abnormalities on x-rays. It may also be helpful to wear a two-piece outfit.

If you have sensitive breasts, try having your mammogram at a time of the month when your breasts will be least tender. Try to avoid the week right before your period. This will help to lessen discomfort.

What to Expect

You will be asked questions about your past medical history. We understand that some of the questions are personal, but this information helps the radiologist interpret your study.

A technologist will take two or more images of each breast. Your breasts will be positioned and firmly compressed in order to spread out the tissue. This gives a clear picture of the breast with the least amount of radiation. This may be uncomfortable, but rarely painful. Compression lasts a few moments and then is released immediately.

Screening Mammography

If you have no known breast problems, you will be scheduled for a routine mammogram or a screening mammogram. Your mammogram will be checked for technical quality before you leave the office. The images will be studied and interpreted by a radiologist. The results will then be reported to your doctor.

You may be asked to return for additional views after the radiologist sees your mammogram. These extra views can help the radiologist see an area of your breast in better detail. You may also be asked to return in six months for a short term follow up.

Diagnostic Mammograms

Regardless of the results of your screening mammogram, you need to talk to your doctor if you notice a change in your breasts. If you have a lump, thickening, swelling, focal pain, nipple discharge or retraction, or if you are recommended to have additional views, you will have a problem solving study called a "diagnostic" mammogram.

This study includes mammographic views not done in a screening mammogram. An ultrasound examination may also be done to determine whether a lump or density on the mammogram is solid or contains fluid.

Computed-aided detection system

With digital mammography, the radiologist has the ability to manipulate, magnify or enhance the images. A digital software system call iCAD will be utilized to review all mammograms. This computer based system serves as a "second look" of your mammogram, aiding the radiologist in the final interpretation of the exam.

Results to Your Physician

An official report of your mammogram results will be sent to your referring physician shortly after your visit. Digital mammography images are also available to referring clinicians to view through a secure web based server. Your mammogram can also be copied onto a computer disc for you to take to your breast care specialist, if needed.

REMEMBER:

A physical exam by your doctor is an important part of your breast health. Regardless of the results of your mammogram, you need to talk to your doctor if you have breast symptoms.

If You Need a Breast Biopsy

If your doctor has recommended a biopsy of an abnormality in your breast, you may be eligible for an ultrasound guided biopsy or aspiration which can be performed at Larchmont Imaging Associates. During this procedure, samples of breast tissue or breast fluid are removed through a needle rather than through an open surgical wound. Because less tissue is removed, this procedure allows for a more rapid recovery. If calcifications are present, you may be eligible to have a stereotactic biopsy which can be performed by the Radiologists of Larchmont Imaging at Virtua- Memorial Hospital of Burlington County.

All of our facilities are accredited by the American College of Radiology and the FDA. These accreditations certify that the highest quality mammography is performed by qualified technologists and read by qualified radiologists. The equipment is evaluated regularly by a medical physicist. Our technologists all possess advanced certification in mammography.