South Texas Medical Clinics Breast Health

Are Mammograms Painful? Breast compression may cause some discomfort for a brief time during each x-ray, but it should not be painful.  Breast compression helps obtain better x-rays by:  ¦ Flattening the breast so that the maximum amount of tissue can be examined. ¦ Allowing a lower x-ray dose to be used, since the x-ray beams pass through a thinner amount of tissue ¦ Holding the breast in place to prevent blurring caused by motion. If you have sensitive breasts, schedule your mammogram at a time of the month when your breasts will be less tender.  In general, the week after a period is when breasts are less tender. Digital mammography images can be viewed in seconds, allowing the mammographer to confirm proper positioning and reducing the likelihood of having to come back for additional images.

Two types of mammograms are available at the South Texas Medical Clinics, Wharton, Bay City and Rosenberg

• Full field digital mammography available at South Texas Medical Clinics, Wharton
• Screen-film mammography available at South Texas Medical Clinics, Bay City and Rosenberg

In digital mammography, x-ray beams are captured on specially-designed digital detectors.  The digital detector converts the x-ray beams into electronic signals, which are then sent to a computer.  The radiologist can review the digital mammogram on a high-resolution computer monitor.

With digital mammography, the radiologist reviews electronic images of the breast, using special high-resolution monitors.  The radiologist can adjust the brightness, change contrast, and zoom in for close ups of specific areas of interest.  The radiologist can magnify the images and invert the black and white values while reading the images.  These features allow the radiologist to evaluate microcalcifications and focus on areas of concern.  Being able to manipulate images is one of the main benefits of digital technology.  To supplement this digital mammography technology, STMC has incorporated digital Computer-Aided Detection (CAD), the first of its kind in Wharton.  Digital CAD highlights characteristics commonly associated with breast cancer.  When activated, it flags abnormalities to help the radiologist detect early breast cancer.  CAD is, in essence, a second set of eyes to support and enhance the radiologist’s judgment.

In screen-film mammography, x-ray beams are captured on a film cassette.  The film is then developed and a physician who specializes in the interpretation of x-rays and other types of diagnostic imaging studies and reviews the films on a high-intensity light box.

In the past, ultrasound has been utilized only to differentiate between a cyst and a solid mass.  With the advent of better ultrasound machines, it is now being used to compliment mammography to increase the early detection of breast cancer in women with dense breasts.  This is particularly useful in women between the ages of 40 and 50.  Ultrasound is not a screening test and should be ordered only if indicated by your physician.

To schedule your mammogram call:

South Texas Medical Clinic, Wharton (Digital Mammogram)
979-532-1700 or 1-800-635-4021

South Texas Medical Clinic, Bay City
979-245-9754

South Texas Medical Clinic, Rosenberg
281-342-6006