Screening Mammograms

The American Cancer Society recommends annual screening for women 40 and older. Early detection of breast cancer improves the chances that breast cancer can be diagnosed at an early stage and treated successfully. For your convenience, The Polyclinic offers screening mammograms at two of our locations:  The Polyclinic Broadway and The Polyclinic Madison Center.  Appointments are often available same-day or the next day.

The Breast Imaging Center at The Polyclinic Broadway

Exams at The Polyclinic Broadway are performed using state of the art digital technology. This patient-friendly imaging center offers privacy, comfort, and a highly trained, compassionate staff devoted to promoting breast health.

3D Mammography at The Polyclinic Madison Center 

The Polyclinic Madison Center is now offering patients 3D mammography, also known as breast tomosynthesis, which allows doctors to examine breast tissue one layer at a time. This exciting 3D technology was approved by the FDA in February 2011.

3D mammography is a new tool in the fight against breast cancer. It is used in conjunction with traditional digital mammography as part of your annual screening mammogram. Very low x-ray energy is used during the screening examination so your radiation exposure is safely below the American College of Radiology and FDA guidelines. Using breast tomosynthesis and digital mammography together for screening has been shown to reduce “call-backs” and increase our ability to detect breast cancer.

3D mammography converts digital breast images into a stack of very thin slices, building a “3D mammogram.”  A 3D mammogram exam is very similar to a traditional mammogram. The technologist will position you, compress your breast under a paddle and take images from different angles. During the tomosynthesis part of the exam, the x-ray arm sweeps in a slight arc over the breast, taking multiple breast images in just seconds.

The whole procedure should be approximately the same time as that of a standard mammogram. The technologist sends your breast images electronically to the radiologist, who views them and reports results to you and your physician.

Schedule your appointment

Take a minute to schedule your screening mammogram by calling our Breast Imaging schedulers at 206-860-5496 (Option 1). You may specify which location you prefer.