Parkland Medical Center's Diagnostic Imaging Department offers mammography screening at two convenent outpatient locations: Parkland Outpatient Center at Nutfield in Derry, NH and Parkland Outpatient Center at Pelham in Pelham, NH. Each facility provides a private and confidential setting within the center where mammograms are performed by registered Radiologic Technologists, RT(M) who have specialized training in mammography. At Pelham we offer traditional diagnostic and screening mammography for routine screening, while our Derry Center offers state-of-the-art Digital Mammography.

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No matter which location you chose to have your mammography you should feel confident in knowing that it will be performed by specially trained technologists who are certified by the ARRT in Mammography and read by Board Certified Radiologists. The radiologist interpretation is backed up by CAD computer assisted diagnostics, which in essence is like a double read of your mammogram.

In addition to mammography services, Breast Health Services at Parkland also include Steriotactic Breast Biopsy and state-of-the-art Ultrasound Guided Breast Biopsy.

What is digital mammography?

The mammography technology used at Parkland Medical Center in Derry is called Digital Screening Mammography with CAD. Screening mammography is used as a preventive measure for women who have no symptoms of breast disease. Computer aided detection (CAD) technology is an important component of digital mammography. It increases the sensitivity for detecting small lesions and calcifications in the breast. Once your breast images have been taken, CAD technology automatically reviews them and marks potential breast abnormalities for the radiologist to review while reading your mammogram. The radiologist can then zoom in, magnify and further study these areas to determine whether any areas are suspicious and require further evaluation. CAD analysis can improve the detection of early cancers by as much as 20 percent.

How do I schedule a mammogram appointment at Parkland?

Please call Parkland’s Scheduling Department at 421-2458 to schedule an appointment.

If you have any questions or concerns before or after your scheduled mammogram contact the Mammography Department directly at 421-3609. Sometimes, it may be necessary to leave a message, but your call will be returned within 24 hours.

When you schedule your appointment, please let us know if:

• You have had previous mammograms at other locations. We are happy to locate any studies.
• You are nursing or if you think you could be pregnant.
• You have breast implants.
• You have had any recent breast surgeries or biopsies.

To avoid delay or rescheduling of your mammogram arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time to register for your exam. Plan for at least 30 additional minutes to complete the entire exam process.

What will my screening mammogram be like?

For your comfort, your mammogram will always be performed in private by a certified female technologist with advanced training in mammography. Before your exam she will ask you to undress from the waist up, change into a cape and remove any powder, deodorant and/or perfumes from your underarms and breasts. For your convenience, towelettes are available for this. Material in these products can show up on the mammogram and interfere with accurate visualization of your breast tissue.

Typically, a screening mammogram consists of two views of each breast, one from above and one from the side. Images are obtained by compressing your breasts between two plastic plates. Adequate compression is essential to detect abnormalities and reduce radiation exposure. The compression may be briefly uncomfortable, especially if your breasts are tender. Here at Parkland we to minimize any discomfort by using a specially formulated pad called the Mammopad, which makes the exam more comfortable for you and actually allows for a better breast study. We find that our patients prefer this softer mammogram. About 70% of women report that it reduced their discomfort by half.

Are there special concerns if I have breast implants?

Mammography is just as important with breast implants. Mammography with breast implants requires special positioning and additional mammographic views.

A mammogram with breast implants will usually consist of four views of each breast, one from above and one from the side and two displacement views. Displacement views consist of moving the implant back toward the chest wall and bringing the breast forward. Damage to implants from a mammogram procedure is extremely rare. Finding an abnormality with mammography far outweighs this risk.

How will I get the results of my mammogram?

Your mammogram will be carefully examined by a board-certified radiologist. Your findings will be promptly forwarded to your healthcare provider. In addition, a letter briefly explaining the results will be mailed to your address.

What to does it mean if I have to return for more images?

Finding out that you have an abnormal result can make anyone anxious. However, please try not to panic. Every abnormality is taken seriously.

Sometimes the radiologist would like special mammographic views to see the area in question better. Sometimes a different procedure, Breast Ultrasound, Breast MRI or an image-guided breast biopsy, may be necessary to confirm diagnosis. All of this information will provide additional information for the radiologist to make a thorough interpretation for YOU.