Mammography

We ask that our patients refrain from wearing deodorant or powder the day of the exam as such products leave a residue on the machine that may interfere with the images. No dietary restrictions exist. We also suggest that women consider scheduling the exam with their menstrual cycle in mind to avoid times of breast tenderness. 

If you are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant, please discuss this procedure with your physician before making your appointment. Other considerations for preparing for your mammogram can be found on our exam preparations page.

The technologist will call you in to a private section of the office. They will then bring you in to a mammography suite and position your breast on the detector of the mammography machine. A special device will then gently compress (or flatten) your breast to spread the tissue and produce a more uniform thickness. You may feel a sensation of pressure or tightness as the breast is being compressed.

Once the technologist takes x-rays of your breast in different positions, the procedure is repeated from the other breast. The entire procedure usually takes about 30 minutes.

Mammography is a safe procedure with minimal exposure to radiation. The benefits of frequent mammograms, especially in women over age 40, can help reduce the number of deaths caused by breast cancer through early detection.

Routine mammogram screenings are covered by most insurance providers. Financial assistance may be available to those not covered. Please call (585) 922-1900 for more information. 

3D Mammography is the most comprehensive breast screening and diagnostic tool available. Rochester Regional Health's revolutionary 3-D technology uses a low-dose x-ray to examine the tissue and to detect tumors and other abnormalities. During the exam, the breast is momentarily compressed between two x-ray plates while a computer produces a three-dimensional image of the tissue. 

3D mammography complements standard digital mammography and can be performed at the same time. No additional compression is required and it takes a few seconds longer for each view.

Benefits: Earlier and more accurate breast cancer detection.

Risks: Briefly exposes patients to low-dose radiation. 

A board-certified radiologist reviews your mammogram. This is a doctor specially trained to read medical images. They carefully look at your images and compare them to any past mammograms, if available, to check for changes.

If more imaging is needed, we will contact you as soon as possible to schedule it. This may include extra mammogram images or an ultrasound to get more detail. In many cases, you’ll receive results the same day, so you don’t have to wait long for answers.

If you have a lump or a specific concern, let us know at your appointment. We will carefully check that area with focused imaging, often including a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound, to better understand what’s causing it.

After your exam is reviewed, you’ll receive a written summary of your results by mail, as required by federal guidelines. You can also view your results in your MyCare account as soon as they’re available.