169 Riverside Drive, Binghamton, NY
Phone: 607-798-6161 • Fax: 607-798-6111
Q. What is Breast
Self-Exam (BSE)?
A. A breast self-exam (BSE) is a technique used
by women to become familiar with the normal look and feel of their
breast. BSEs are important in keeping you aware of changes in your
breasts. Knowing how your breasts normally look and feel is crucial
in detecting abnormalities.
Q. How Often Should I
Perform a BSE?
A. A monthly BSE is recommended for all women
beginning at age 20.
Q. What is a Clinical
Breast Exam?
A. A clinical breast exam (CBE) is similar to a
BSE, except it is performed by your health care provider. If you
have questions about how to perform a BSE, your health care
provider can discuss and demonstrate the proper technique during
your CBE.
Q. When Should I Receive a
CBE?
A. Depending on your family history and whether
or not breast cancer has affected someone in your family, CBEs
should be performed at least once every three years beginning at
age 20. After age 40, CBEs are recommended at least once a year.
Generally, CBEs are performed during annual Pap smear and pelvic
exams.
Q. What is a screening
mammogram?
A. A screening mammogram is a low dose x-ray of
the breast. A mammogram consists of two images of each breast. The
images are used to detect changes in the breasts of women who have
no signs or symptoms suspicious for breast cancer.
An annual screening mammogram is recommended for all women over
the age of 40.
Q. What is a diagnostic
mammogram?
A. A diagnostic mammogram is used for problem
solving. For example, a diagnostic mammogram would be performed if
a lump is found in the breast, or if there are other signs
suspicious for breast cancer. A diagnostic mammogram might also be
used to follow a particular finding over time.
Diagnostic mammograms are tailored to each patient's case and
are monitored by a board certified radiologist who interprets the
images and determines whether further testing is needed.
Q. Who reviews
the mammography images/results?
A. All mammography results are reviewed a
minimum of two times. The first review is performed by one of our
board certified radiologists. The second review is performed by the
R2 ImageChecker. The R2 ImageChecker is a Computer Aided Detection
(CAD) system that analyzes mammograms giving a computerized "second
opinion."
Q. What is digital
mammography?
A. Digital mammography is a system where x-ray
film pictures of the breast are replaced by solid-state detectors
that convert x-rays into electric signals. These detectors are
similar to those found in digital cameras. The electrical signals
are used to produce images (similar to a digital photograph) of the
breast that can be viewed on a computer screen or printed on
special films.
The dramatic difference in the quality of that picture allows
Lourdes radiologists a better opportunity to discover
abnormalities.
Read more
about digital mammography.
Q. How do I prepare for a
mammogram?
A. See "Preparing for Your Mammogram."
Q. What is a breast
ultrasound?
A. Ultrasound is a noninvasive test that uses
sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the breast. Breast
ultrasound is used as a supplemental tool in detecting and
diagnosing fluid-filled versus solid abnormalities in the
breast.
