What will happen when I arrive for my mammogram?
Upon arrival, a receptionist will greet you, asked for your insurance card and have
you fill out and sign consent forms. You may be asked for your insurance
co-payment or payment in full if you do not have insurance. Payment arrangements can be made in advance, if necessary.

A radiological technician will come for you and take a detailed patient history. This will include family history, hormonal usage, and skin abnormalities as well as
location of any previous mammograms. The technician will show you to a dressing room where you will be asked to undress from the waist upward. Be sure to remove any jewelry as well. The technologist will then bring you to the exam room where
you will either sit or stand for your mammogram. The procedure will take approximately 15-30 minutes. You will be asked to remain in your gown until the technician verifies that the x-ray images are clear and additional views are not needed. If necessary, the radiologist may want to talk to you. Further diagnostic work-up may be needed which may include additional x-ray images as well as
breast ultrasound examination. This will be performed under the supervision of the radiologist as needed. A clinical breast exam may also be preformed.

When your exam is complete you will be asked to re-dress. You will be notified if additional diagnostic work-up is needed. Otherwise, a reminder notice will be sent to you when it is time for your next mammogram.

How many views will be taken?
A minimum of 2 x-rays will be taken per breast. Additional films will be taken as needed to ensure you an adequate examination. The entire exam usually takes
15-30 minutes. Further diagnostic work-up may be needed which may include additional x-ray images as well as breast ultrasound examination. This will be performed under the supervision of the radiologist as needed. A clinical breast examination may also be performed.

When will I get my results?
The radiologist will interpret the mammogram and send a written report to your physician. Please consult your physician concerning the results of your mammogram. There will be some delay in a final report if previous mammograms
were performed elsewhere and are unavailable on the day of your exam. This will be prevented if you will bring these original films with you for comparison. You will be notified if additional diagnostic work-up is needed. Otherwise, a reminder notice will be sent to you when it is time for your next mammogram.

When should I have a mammogram?
The American Cancer Society, the American College of Radiology, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists all endorse mammogram screening for early cancer detection. The recommended guidelines are as follows:
• Age 35-40: One baseline mammogram for comparison in later years
• Age 40 and over: An annual mammogram

NOTE: Women with a personal or family history of breast cancer and those over age 50 have a higher risk than others. Therefore, your physician may recommend more
or less frequent mammograms depending upon your age and other risk factors.

Are mammograms safe?
Mammograms are safer than ever – thanks to research and development of new imaging techniques. Today the x-ray exposure needed for a high quality
mammogram is almost too small to measure. If there is any risk at all, it is far outweighed by the potential benefit. The American Cancer Society suggests that the real danger is in the failure to use mammography, as recommended, for early detection of breast cancer long before symptoms occur.

How effective are mammograms?
Mammography has the ability to detect breast cancers before they can be felt. However, a small percentage of breast cancers cannot be identified by mammography. For this reason, it is important to follow the guidelines for CBE and
to practice regular BSE.

What are some basic steps for early detection and prevention?

• Monthly breast self examination beginning by age 20
• Clinical breast examinations at least every 3 years beginning at age 20 and
   annually after age 40
• Annual screening mammography beginning at age 40
NOTE: women under age 40 with either a family history of breast cancer or other concerns about their personal risk should consult a healthcare provider about risk assessment and when to begin mammography.

When should I do a breast self-examination (BSE)?
The best time to do BSE is the same time each month; for menstruating women, it should be performed after the menstrual period has ended and when the breasts are less tender. For post-menopausal women, it should be performed the same time
each month.

What is a clinical breast exam (CBE)?
A CBE is performed by a healthcare provider. It includes visual examination and palpation (feeling) of the entire breast and underarm area, and is performed both sitting and lying down positions.

How often should I get a CBE?
You should get a CBE by a healthcare provider at least every 3 years beginning at age 20 and yearly after age 40.

What is the difference between a screening mammogram and a diagnostic mammogram?
Screening and diagnostic mammography are performed with state of the art imaging equipment from the top manufacturers including General Electric and Siemens. All exams are tailored to each of the patient’s needs, taking into account past surgery, implants, and physical limitations. Every mammogram at Piedmont Breast
Center is also processed by the R2 computed assisted detection unit to insure the highest level of sensitivity and technology.
A screening mammogram is a supplement to regular medical checkups and breast self-examination. Research has proven that screening mammograms can help
detect cancers and other abnormalities long before signs, such as lumps, occur.

A diagnostic mammogram is performed when there is an abnormality in the breast such as lumps or other changes. In 80% of cases, breast lumps are not cancerous. When you and your physician need to know more about an abnormality or other change in your breast, mammography is then the most effective diagnostic
procedure available.

When mammography is used as a screening technique or as a diagnostic
procedure, its safe, accurate and reliable use has produced impressive results.

If a biopsy is needed, when will I know the results?
The results of the biopsy are usually received within 24-48 hours and relayed to the attending physician and to the patient. Piedmont Breast Center takes additional steps to insure the highest quality of care in all patients and assists patients and attending physicians in assuring proper clinical or surgical management.

What is Stereotactic Core Biopsy?
This procedure is designed to save women from undergoing unnecessary surgery.
The procedure is a relatively painless and minimally invasive alternative to surgical biopsy requiring no hospitalization and is faster and less traumatic than traditional surgical biopsy. Masses and predominately calcifications are amenable to this form
of biopsy.

Piedmont Breast Center is proud to be the only center in the immediate area accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR) in both stereotactic and ultrasound guided core breast biopsy.

What is Ultrasonography?
Breast ultrasonography is used as an adjunct to mammography to distinguish if a lump or mass is solid tissue or if it is simply a fluid-filled cyst. Use of
ultrasonography allows physicians to avoid recommending surgical procedures unnecessarily. Ultrasonography is performed by the technologist and occasionally
the physicians. Biopsies and cyst aspirations are performed under ultrasound guidance.

Do I need a referral for an appointment?
You can schedule your own appointment for a routine, screening mammogram.
If you have a symptom you will need to notify your physician who will then schedule you for a diagnostic mammogram.

If insurance does not pay, how much will it cost?
Piedmont Breast Center accepts most insurance carriers for all services. However, should your insurance not cover mammography or if you do not have healthcare coverage, your costs will be based on the number of films taken and
if one or both breasts are x-rayed. Payment arrangements can be made in advance,
if necessary.

Where is Piedmont Breast Center located?
Piedmont Breast Center is proud to declare its association with Piedmont Radiological Associates, PA and Rowan Regional Medical Center. Piedmont Breast Center is located in the suite with Piedmont Radiological Associates, PA on Mocksville Avenue adjacent to Rowan Regional Medical Center in Salisbury, NC.

Are the radiologists Board Certified?
Piedmont Breast Center is proud to be the only center in Rowan County accredited by the American College of Radiology in all of the modalities listed below:

401 Mocksville Avenue, Suite 100
Salisbury, NC 21844
(704) 633-1023