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BREAST IMAGING CENTER

The Breast Imaging Center at JCMH is dedicated to your breast health. We strive to show compassion and hope to assist you with your breast imaging needs and to allow you the best possible prognosis by detecting breast cancer at its earliest stages. To learn more, or to arrange for an appointment for a breast imaging procedure, please call 580-379-5100.

The Breast Imaging Center is fully accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR) and certified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Early detection of breast cancer for you is our goal. Our mammography technologists make every effort to minimize your discomfort and inconvenience. We offer female technologists and Board Certified Radiologists. Our experienced staff provides patients with compassionate care in a warm, friendly environment. We recommend the following plan for women without symptoms:

  1. See your Physician or Gynecologist for a Clinical Breast Exam Once a Year - Women of all ages
  2. Perform a Breast Self Exam Every Month - Women of all ages
  3. Have a Mammogram Once a Year - Women over 40 and earlier for high-risk patients. If you are not sure if you are at high risk, consult your physician

For early detection of breast cancer, regular screening mammograms for women over the age of 40 still remain the best option. A mammogram is a safe, low-dose x-ray that can detect irregularities in the breast, sometimes even before you or your doctor can feel a lump.

SCREENING MAMMOGRAPHY
A screening mammogram is an x-ray of the breast used to detect breast changes in women who have NO signs or symptoms of breast cancer. It usually involves two x-rays of each breast. With a mammogram, it is possible to detect microcalcifications (tiny deposits of calcium in the breast, which sometimes are a clue to the presence of breast cancer) or a tumor that cannot be felt. You may schedule a screening exam yourself.

DIAGNOSTIC MAMMOGRAPHY
A diagnostic mammogram is an x-ray of the breast that is used to diagnose unusual breast changes such as a lump, pain, thickening, nipple discharge or a change in breast size or shape. A diagnostic mammogram is also used to evaluate changes detected on a screening mammogram. This type of mammogram may be necessary if it is difficult to obtain a clear x-ray with a screening mammogram because of special circumstances, such as the presence of breast implants. A diagnostic mammogram takes longer than a screening mammogram because it involves more x-rays to obtain views of the breast from several angles. The technician may magnify a suspicious area to produce a detailed picture that can help the doctor make an accurate diagnosis. Generally, your films are reviewed while you are here and, if further evaluation with ultrasound is necessary, we make every attempt to have your exam completed the same day.

BREAST ULTRASOUND
Ultrasound, also called sonography, is an imaging technique in which high-frequency sound waves that cannot be heard by humans are bounced off tissues and internal organs. Their echoes produce a picture called a sonogram. Ultrasound imaging of the breast is used to distinguish between solid tumors and fluid-filled cysts. It is also used to characterize the nature of solid masses. Ultrasound can also be used to evaluate lumps that are hard to see on a mammogram. Ultrasound is often used as part of other diagnostic procedures, such as needle biopsy or aspiration.

During an ultrasound examination, the clinician spreads a thin coating of lubricating gel over the area to be imaged to improve conduction of the sound waves. A hand-held device called a transducer directs the sound waves through the skin toward specific tissues. As the sound waves are reflected back from the tissues within the breast, the patterns formed by the waves create a two-dimensional image of the breast on a computer.

Ultrasound is not a substitute for routine breast cancer screening with mammography because it does not consistently detect certain early signs of cancer such as microcalcifications. Microcalcifications are tiny deposits of calcium in the breast that cannot be felt but can be seen on a conventional mammogram. A cluster of microcalcifications may indicate that cancer is present. Ultrasound is only a diagnostic tool used to compliment a finding on a mammogram or to image a palpable lump or mass on a patient under the age of 30.

PREPARING FOR YOUR MAMMOGRAM
Schedule your mammogram when your breasts will be least tender. During mammography, the breast is pressed between two clear plastic plates for a few seconds. This gives a clear picture with the least amount of x-rays, but it may be uncomfortable and a few women have experienced pain. Jackson County Memorial Hospital is a certified Softer Mammogram Provider®. We utilize the MammoPad®, a pad that will make your mammogram warmer and more comfortable. If you have sensitive breasts, try having your mammogram at a time of month when your breasts will be least tender: usually 10 days from the start of your menstrual cycle. Try to avoid the week right before your period – this will help lessen discomfort. If you are worried about discomfort, you may want to take a mild over-the-counter pain reliever about an hour before the mammogram.

Your prior mammogram films and reports are needed for comparison. If your prior mammogram was not performed at the JCMH Breast Imaging Center, you will need to make arrangements to obtain your films and reports. Your mammography films are important for comparison to identify any changes in your breast tissue. If your prior films are not available at the time your mammogram is performed the interpretation of your films may be delayed or you may be required to return for additional tests.

We strongly recommend that you personally pick up your films/reports from the facility where your last mammogram was performed. If this is not possible, please call the facility as soon as possible and arrange to have your films/reports mailed directly to:
 
JCMH Breast Imaging Center
1200 E Pecan
Altus OK 73521
580-379-5451

If you need to have your films sent to us from another facility, please print this form:  Request Mammography Films, and please allow at least two weeks before you schedule your appointment to be certain that we receive your prior films before your visit. 

If you need to obtain your previous films from JCMH for your new facility, you may print this form: Send Mammography Films, and fax or mail it to us.  Films will be sent within 48hrs.

On the day of your mammogram:

  1. Wear a two-piece outfit so you have to remove only your top.
  2. Do not use deodorant, talcum powder or lotion under your arms or your breasts. These products can show up on the x-ray. 
  3. Bring the name, address and phone number of your doctor or other health care provider. 
  4. Bring your insurance information. 
  5. Bring a list of the places and dates of mammograms, biopsies or other breast treatment that you had. 
  6. If you have trouble hearing or understanding instructions or need assistance, please consider bringing a friend with you.

If you have not had a recent clinical breast examination performed by your personal doctor, please schedule an appointment. By having a mammogram, you have taken an important step to promote your good health.

Your doctor or other healthcare provider should examine your breasts as part of your regular physical examination. Monthly breast self-examination is also extremely important.  To learn more, or to arrange for an appointment for a breast imaging procedure, please call 580-379-5100.