2D and 3D Mammography (Tomosynthesis)

Mammography is a medical imaging technique that uses low doses of X-rays to examine breast tissue. It can be used to diagnose and/or screen for breast cancer. This examination can reveal breast cancer at an early stage in women who are not showing signs of cancer. It can therefore help improve survival rates for women with breast cancer.

Our state-of-the-art equipment allows us to offer 2D or 3D mammography (tomosynthesis). Tomosynthesis is approved by Health Canada. For some patients, it is a better screening tool for breast cancer and reduces the need for additional tests.

Description

There are generally two types of mammograms, one to make a diagnosis and the other to screen for cancer.

Breast cancer screening centre

Are you a woman between the ages of 50 and 74? The Québec Breast Cancer Screening Program (PQDCS) is for you. The Estrie Radiology Centre is a designated screening centre for this program.

Why have a mammogram?

Mammography plays a crucial role in the prevention and early treatment of breast disease. It can:

• Confirm or rule out an abnormality detected by palpation or ultrasound.
• Detect breast cancer at an early stage. The earlier the disease is diagnosed, the better the chances of treatment and cure.
• Monitor breast changes over time in patients with a family or personal history.

Preparation for the test

• On the day of the test, don’t put any powder, cream, perfume or deodorant on your breasts or underarms.
• If you have sensitive breasts, avoid coffee, tea, chocolate and soft drinks for two weeks before the mammogram. If necessary, you can take an analgesic, as you would when you have mild pain.

At the time of your appointment, make sure you have:

• The original medical prescription signed by the requesting professional and/or the letter from the PQDCS
• Your valid health insurance card
• Images on CD (or another digital device) and copies of previous test reports

Notify your technologist of the presence of breast prostheses.

Test procedure

Mammography is generally a quick procedure that takes just a few steps.

1. You will need to remove any clothing covering your upper body, as well as any jewelry or metal objects. You will be provided with a gown.
2. A technologist will place your breasts, one at a time, between two plates to obtain clear images of the mammary gland. This compression, though uncomfortable, is necessary to improve image quality.
3. Before you leave, the technologist will check the quality of the radiology images. If necessary, additional images will be taken.

The procedure lasts approximately 15 to 20 minutes, and the images are then analyzed by a radiologist.

Precautions and contraindications

Mammography is a safe and widely used test, but there are certain precautions to be taken.

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, mammography is not generally recommended, unless absolutely necessary, to avoid unnecessary exposure to X-rays. 
• Breast pain or tenderness: If you have tender breasts, schedule the procedure about a week after your period to minimize discomfort.

Discuss any special conditions with your physician or technologist before the examination.

Fees

To view the fees for all the procedures we perform, please consult our fee schedule.

You can also check whether procedure fees are covered by the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).