Mammography (Mammogram)
Mammography
An annual mammogram is your best defense against breast cancer. Main Line Health offers state-of-the-art technology, expert breast radiologists and surgeons, and certified mammography technicians to provide women with the best care possible for early detection, screening and diagnosis.
Time is precious — and so is your breast health. That's why Main Line Health offers appointments at 10 convenient health centers and hospital locations throughout the Philadelphia region.
Who should get a mammogram?
Main Line Health recommends all women begin annual screening with mammography at age 40. Higher risk women (e.g., those with genetic abnormalities, strong family history and/or personal risk factors) should discuss with their physician whether additional screening studies or starting screening earlier would be beneficial. Annual screening should continue into later years as long as a woman is in good health.
Do I need a prescription or referral for a screening mammogram?
No. Annual screening mammography does not require a prescription, referral or order from your health care provider. Women over 40 who are not experiencing symptoms can make an appointment for a screening mammogram on their own.
Do I need a prescription for other breast imaging studies?
Do I need to provide you with the name of my health care provider?
When will I receive my results?
All mammograms are read by board-certified radiologists who have additional certification by the American College of Radiology (ACR) specifically for mammography. We will call you with your results the very next business day or you may access your results in MyChart.
As a rule, if you have an abnormal diagnosis or a new breast lump, you will be seen within 48 hours by a Main Line Health breast surgeon at one of five locations across the region. At this appointment, the surgeon will determine whether you need a breast biopsy and the best biopsy approach.
How much does a mammogram cost?
A mammogram is covered by some insurance providers, but not by others. Please check with your insurance company to find out whether this service is covered by your plan. If your insurance does not cover one, you may choose to pay for the service out-of-pocket.
What is the difference between screening and diagnostic mammogram?
The language of health care can be confusing at times—and that's the last thing you need when you're trying to manage your well-being. Learn about the difference between screening and diagnostic mammograms.
Do COVID-19 vaccines affect when I schedule my mammogram?
COVID-19 vaccines may lead to temporary swelling in the lymph nodes, which may make your breast screening more difficult to interpret. For the most accurate test results possible and to avoid unnecessary follow-up studies, Main Line Health recommends scheduling your screening mammogram before you receive your first dose or wait until four to six weeks after receiving your second dose.
For diagnostic mammograms, keep your regularly scheduled appointment.
3D mammogram and breast imaging services
Screening mammograms
Tomo, or digital breast tomosynthesis (3D mammo), has been shown to make the most difference for women between the ages of 40 and 50 years old who have dense breasts; and/or those with a personal history of breast cancer.
3D mammography provides our radiologists with a high-accuracy view of the breast, which leads to clear detection, minimal callbacks, and peace of mind.
The benefits of tomo include:
- Reduces the need for follow-up imaging
- Pinpoints with high accuracy the size, shape and location of abnormalities
- Detects multiple breast tumors with great precision
At Main Line Health we offer state-of-the-art technology, expert breast radiologists, and certified mammography technicians all working together to provide women with the best care possible for screenings and diagnostic studies. Mammograms are interpreted by Main Line Health board-certified radiologists who have additional certification by the ACR (American College of Radiology) specifically for mammography interpretation.
Other breast diagnostic services
We also offer the following diagnostic services:
- Stereotactic breast biopsy – This minimally invasive procedure uses three-dimensional computerized imaging to pinpoint suspicious areas in the breast for biopsy.
- MRI-guided biopsy – This biopsy uses a powerful magnetic field to locate a breast lump or abnormality and guide a needle to remove a tissue sample.
- Ultrasound-guided biopsy – These biopsies are performed at the hospital or surgeon's office. The radiologist/physician uses an ultrasound to accurately locate the suspicious area and to guide the needle into position for a specimen.
- Presurgical lesion localization – Using mammography, ultrasound or MRI, the radiologist places a marker to provide a roadmap for the surgeon.
Schedule a screening mammogram by calling 484.580.1800.
Breast density
Breast Density - Main Line Health is committed to helping you understand what is currently known about breast density and its implications for breast cancer screening, so you will be better prepared to work with your doctor to protect your breast health.
Understanding the difference between screening and diagnostic mammogram
We understand that the language of health care can be confusing at times - and that's the last thing you need when you're trying to manage your well-being. Some of our patients have asked us to explain the difference between screening and diagnostic mammogram so we thought this infographic might help.
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