Mammography is an x-ray exam of the breasts to detect lumps when they’re too small to be detected by physical examination. Alton Memorial provides the highest quality of care to patients in the prevention and early detection of breast cancer before symptoms develop. Because size of the cancer at diagnosis is one of the most important predictors of outcome, mammography can lead to finding and treating breast cancer in its earliest and most curable stage.
Prioritize your health. Schedule your annual screening mammogram online or call 618.463.7647.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF MAMMOGRAMS
- Screening mammogram: Radiologists use mammography to look for early signs of breast cancer before symptoms develop. This is typically an annual screening and images are taken of each breast at different angles.
- Diagnostic mammogram: Your provider will order a diagnostic mammogram if your screening shows abnormal tissue.
A MAMMOGRAM IS RECOMMENDED FOR:
- After age 40, yearly mammogram screenings are recommended for all people assigned female at birth.
- Women who are at increased risk of breast cancer (family, medical history, inherited genetic mutations), may need to start earlier.
- Women with dense breasts.
TECHNOLOGY AND IMAGING QUALITY
All breast imaging equipment at Alton Memorial Hospital is digital (computer-based). This technology is when the x-ray film is replaced by solid-state detectors that convert x-rays into electrical signals allowing the radiologist to capture and manipulate the images so abnormalities can be seen. The electrical signals are used to produce images of the breast that are viewed on a computer screen or printed on special film. Benefits of digital mammography include:
- High resolution images that are exceptionally clear.
- May lower radiation dose, especially in patients with dense breast tissue.
- Images are captured and displayed within seconds, shortening your appointment time.
- Contribute to earlier detection, more accurate diagnosis and better overall patient care.
AFTER YOUR MAMMOGRAM
After a mammogram, it's common to experience tenderness, pain or mild bruising. These symptoms should start to go away within 24 hours after your exam. If symptoms persist up to 72 hours after your exam, contact your physician's office.
We are committed to providing exceptional care to women in our community.
To schedule your digital mammography appointment, call 618.463.7647.
Mammogram hours:
- 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday
- 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tuesday
- 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday
- 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday
- 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturdays
With modern 3D digital mammography equipment and technology, Alton
Memorial provides the highest quality of care to patients in the
prevention and early detection of breast cancer.
Digital mammography is
more accurate than film at finding cancer in women younger than 50 and
women who have dense (not fatty) breast tissue. And digital
mammography uses less radiation than traditional film mammography.
Digital mammography allows radiologists to view images more closely,
zeroing in on suspicious or concerning areas, enabling them to make
immediate decisions about additional images. The process takes less
than half the time of traditional film-based exams and radiologists can
review the images while the patient is in the examination room.
In conjunction with the 3D digital mammography unit, Alton Memorial offers computer-aided
detection (CAD) providing a "second read" of the mammogram by computer.
We are committed to providing exceptional care to women in our community. Our mammography
area features a refurbished waiting area and private dressing rooms for our patients.
After Your Mammogram
After a mammogram, it's common to experience tenderness, pain or mild bruising. These
symptoms should start to go away within 24 hours after your exam. If symptoms persist up to 72
hours after your exam, contact your physician's office.
Additional information
Learn more about BJC imaging services
To schedule an appointment with the Alton Memorial Hospital Imaging Center, please
call 618.463.7647 or email us.
- 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday
- 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tuesday
- 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday
- 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday
- 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturdays