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Mammography is one of the most effective breast imaging tools available to detect breast cancer. Often breast cancers can be seen on a mammogram before any breast symptoms occur. The American Cancer Society recommends women start annual mammography at the age 40. If a women has a strong family history of breast cancer, e.g. a first degree relative such as your sister or mother, then it is recommended that mammographic screening begin 10 years prior to the age at which the cancer of the relative was diagnosed.
The Sonnenalp Breast Center has been performing digital mammography since opening in 2002. In 2010, the American College of Radiology awarded a three-year term of accreditation in mammography to the imaging center. The ACR gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities meeting ACR Practice. ACR Patient Notice. Additionally, The Sonnenalp Breast Center offers SonoCiné breast ultrasounds for women with dense breasts. SonoCiné is an automated breast ultrasound system that has been cleared by FDA as an adjunctive examination to mammography. It is a complimentary examination and not a replacement for mammography. Peer reviewed, published clinical trials demonstrated that SonoCiné, when used as an adjunct to mammography, found more and smaller cancers than were found by mammography alone.
Screening Mammography
Screening mammography is a wellness test that is performed when there are no breast symptoms. During a screening mammogram a mammography technologist will usually take two pictures of each breast. In patient’s with implants four routine images are taken of each breast. Occasionally more images will be taken to visualize all the breast tissue. A breast radiologist is typically not present to read routine breast imaging. You can expect your appointment to be 20-30 minutes.
Once your screening mammogram has been interpreted by the breast radiologist, you may be called back for a Diagnostic Mammogram or Breast Ultrasound. Typically, 10% of our screening mammograms will need to have additional breast imaging. Diagnostic Mammography
Diagnostic mammography is performed when there is an abnormality on your screening mammogram or there are breast symptoms. Mammogram images taken at the time of a diagnostic study are different from a screening mammogram, and are variable depending on findings on the screening study and/or symptoms. A breast radiologist is on site to read your exam and will review your results with you, if needed. Diagnostic mammography can lead to further breast imaging which could include breast ultrasound, breast MRI or breast biopsy. You can expect to be at the breast center for 1- 1 ½ hours for diagnostic mammography and/or breast ultrasound.
Diagnostic mammography is performed in these situations: • Additional breast imaging from a screening mammogram, recommend by the breast radiologist who determines there is a questionable abnormality on screening examination.
• History of Breast Cancer
• Lump or thickening
• Swelling or changes in skin appearance
• Nipple inversion
• New or bloody nipple discharge
• Pain (only 15% of women with breast pain will require treatment)
• Any other breast sign or symptom  
Sonnenalp Mammography
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Shaw Cancer Center
