Digital Mammography

The Center For Medical Imaging provides state of the art mammography at their Tanasbourne and Bridgeport locations. CMI are the only freestanding imaging facilities which include the soft mammopad with every mammogram in the Portland area.

In addition to the mammopad, CMI provides full field digital mammography which provides better imaging, a lower dose of radiation and magnified computer images including CAD (computer assisted detection). Reduced repeat exposures and the associated discomfort for additional views is another patient benefit of full field digital mammography.

Center For Medical Imaging schedules same-day and next-day appointments with results sent immediately to the clinician after the exam is finalized.

What is Mammography

A Mammogram is a type of procedure that uses a low-dose X-ray system to examine the tissue of the breasts. Mammography is used as a screening tool to detect early breast cancer in women experiencing no symptoms and to detect and diagnose breast disease in women experiencing symptoms such as a lump, pain or nipple discharge.

Mammography plays a vital role in the early detection of breast cancer, and can often detect a lump in the breast before it can be felt. Annual mammograms are recommended by the American Cancer Society for women who are 40 or more years of age, or women at high-risk for breast cancer, including those with a family history.

Preparing for a Mammogram

Patients scheduled for a mammogram at CMI should not wear any deodorant on the day of the exam and wash to remove any talc or powder deodorants prior to the Mammogram to avoid artifacts that mimic breast disease. Wear comfortable and loose-fitting two-piece clothing without metal such as snaps, zippers or belt buckles that can reduce image quality. Limit metal jewelry for the same reasons. Patients who may be pregnant should inform the Technologist prior to the exam.

During a Mammogram

Normally, two images are taken of each breast by a CMI Technologist. Each breast will be firmly positioned between two plates on the mammography equipment. While two pictures are generally captured of each breast, it is fairly common for additional images to be captured or for a women to be asked to return to CMI for more imaging to ensure a thorough examination has been completed.

After a Mammogram

Once an exam in complete, the detailed images of the breast tissue will be reviewed by a CMI Radiologist. A report generated by the Radiologist will be forwarded to the patient's physician.