Frequently Asked Questions

What is a mammogram?

A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray used to examine the breasts.

What is a digital mammogram?

A digital mammogram uses no film. Instead it uses a detector to convert the X-ray into an image, similar to the way a digital camera works. Images are viewed on a large computer screen. Analog (film) mammography and digital mammography both use compression of the breast to image the tissue. In a very large trial, digital mammograms were shown to detect breast cancer more often in patients with dense breasts, patients under 50 and premenopausal patients. All of the mammography units at DRI are digital because we believe in the highest quality care for our patients.

What is the difference in a screening mammogram and a diagnostic mammogram?

A screening mammogram is a study performed of a woman who has no problems. The American College of Radiology recommends that a woman have a screening mammogram every year beginning at age 40. In some cases, screening should begin earlier, such as if a woman is at higher risk for developing breast cancer. A screening mammogram can be scheduled by calling our center directly at 336-271-4999.

A diagnostic mammogram is a specialized mammogram tailored to answer a specific question. It is performed for women who have felt a lump, have breast changes or have been called back after a screening mammogram. At The Breast Center of Greensboro Imaging, a diagnostic mammogram is read by the radiologist at the time of the exam. Sometimes, a breast ultrasound is helpful in evaluating a part of the breast further. This is usually performed on the same day as the diagnostic mammogram. The radiologist then discusses the results of all studies directly with the patient before she leaves the center.

How should I prepare for a mammogram?

Discuss any breast changes with your doctor before your appointment to be sure that you are scheduled for the proper exam. Do not wear deodorant, powder or lotion under your arms or on your breasts the day of your mammogram. If you have had a prior mammogram, bring it with you to your appointment or have it sent to us.

What if I am called back after a screening mammogram?

Don’t panic! It is relatively common to be called back after a screening exam. About one in ten patients will need further imaging performed. Someone from The Breast Center will contact you to make an appointment for a diagnostic exam. At that time, a tailored mammogram exam will be performed, which may involve different views than the ones you have had already. After that, you may also have an ultrasound exam, depending on the findings. A Board Certified Radiologist (physician) with special training in breast imaging will discuss the findings with you at the end of your exams and you will have a chance to ask questions. Most women who are called back have no real problem and can go back to a regular screening schedule.

What if I need to have a breast biopsy?

At The Breast Center of Greensboro Imaging, we are able to perform image-guided breast biopsies, the standard of care in breast diagnosis. This includes the breast MRI guided core needle biopsy and the ultrasound breast biopsy. These procedures do not require a visit to the operating room or sedation and are well tolerated. Results are usually available the next day.

Do you offer breast MRI?

Yes, our physicians have extensive experience with breast MRI. Our breast MRI program is accredited by the American College of Radiology. Our MRIs are performed at our sister site, DRI, at 315 West Wendover and read by our breast imagers in conjunction with other breast imaging studies you may have had. MRI guided biopsies are performed at the same site.

What is a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence?

The American College of Radiology has accredited the Breast Center of Greensboro Imaging as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence. This means that our center has met the rigid and voluntary criteria for mammography, breast ultrasound, ultrasound biopsy and stereotactic biopsy. Our facility was the first in the region to be accredited by the ACR as a BICOE.

Should I have another breast imaging study in addition to a mammogram?

Mammograms are considered the standard of care for breast cancer screening and are the only breast screening studies shown to save lives. In certain situations, your physician may recommend you have other studies, such as ultrasound or MRI, in addition to a mammogram. If you are under 30 and have a breast problem, your exam may begin with breast ultrasound rather than a mammogram.

What are the risk factors for breast cancer?

Risk factors that cannot be modified:

• Gender: Being female is the main risk factor for breast cancer.
• Age: The risk of breast cancer increases with age.
• Genetics: 5–10% of breast cancers are thought to be hereditary.
• Family history: 15% of women with breast cancer have a family history.
• 85% of women with breast cancer have no family history.
• Personal history: 3-4 fold increased risk of new cancer after diagnosis of cancer.
• Ethnicity: Caucasian women have a slightly higher risk of developing cancer than African-American women.
  African-American women are more likely to die of the disease.
  Asian, Hispanic and Native-American women have a lower risk of developing and dying of breast cancer.
• Breast density: Women with denser breast tissue have a higher risk of breast cancer. Dense breast tissue makes a mammogram harder to read.
• High risk lesions: Certain prior biopsies show a higher risk.
• Menstrual periods: Having more menstrual cycles at an early age or at a later age increases risk.
• Prior chest radiation: Radiation therapy at an early age increases the risk of breast cancer.

Risk factors that can be modified:

• Alcohol: Risk increases with the amount of alcohol consumed.
• Obesity: Increases risk especially after menopause.
• Physical activity: Exercise reduces risk.
• Breast feeding: Reduces risk.
• Hormone therapy: Recent use of combined hormone replacement therapy (estrogen and progesterone) increases risk.
• Having children: Women who have no children or have their first child after age 30 have a slightly higher risk for breast cancer.

What if I am at “high risk” for breast cancer?

You may not be as high risk as you think. First, discuss your risk factors with your physician. Most people with a family history of breast cancer do not get breast cancer. If you have some of the risk factors listed above, your risk may still be only slightly above average. Standard screening recommendations (annual digital mammography, annual physical exams and monthly breast self exams) may be appropriate.

For patients in the highest risk group, the American Cancer Society recommends additional screening with annual breast MRI in addition to annual mammograms. For example, these are patients with a personal or family history of genetic testing that is positive for the breast cancer genes (BRCA1 or BRCA2), history of chest radiation at a young age, several close family members with breast cancer or a lifetime estimated risk of 20-25% based on available risk assessment tools.

What if I have no family history of breast cancer; am I “protected”?

No. Most women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of breast cancer. All women, regardless of family history, need to have annual mammograms beginning at age 40.

When can I stop having mammograms?

The risk of breast cancer increases with age. The recommendation of the American Cancer Society and the American College of Radiology is that you continue to have mammograms as long as you are in good health.

Can I skip a year?

The American Cancer Society and the American College of Radiology recommend mammograms every year so that if there is a developing cancer, it can be caught as early as possible. Treatment options for cancers are better if they are smaller and have not spread to other parts of the body.

More Information About Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer Overview

More Information About Breast Imaging

Radiology Info
Mammography Saves Lives
Are You Dense?

What is a 3D mammography breast exam (tomosynthesis)?

3D mammography is a revolutionary new screening and diagnostic tool designed for early breast cancer detection that can be done in conjunction with a traditional 2D mammogram in the same setting. During the 3D part of the exam, the X-ray arm sweeps in a slight arc over the breast, taking multiple breast images. Then a computer produces a 3D image of your breast tissue in one millimeter slices, providing greater visibility for the radiologist to see breast detail in a way never before possible. The radiologists can scroll through images of the entire breast like pages of a book.

Why is there a need for 3D mammography breast exams? What are the benefits?

With conventional digital mammography, the radiologist is viewing all the breast tissue in one flat image. Sometimes breast tissue can overlap, giving the illusion that normal breast tissue looks like an abnormal area. By looking at the breast tissue in one millimeter slices, the radiologist can provide a more confident assessment. In this way, 3D mammography finds cancers that might be missed with conventional 2D mammography. It also means there is less of a chance your doctor will call you back unnecessarily.

What should I expect during the 3D mammography exam?

3D mammography complements standard 2D mammography and is performed at the same time with the same system in the same room. Compression is used, but no additional compression is required compared to a traditional mammogram. It only takes a few more seconds for each view. You will notice that the machine moves during the 3D images.

Is the radiation dose higher?

All of our 3D exams are powered by C-View software, which minimizes radiation exposure and increases detection of invasive breast cancer. Our low dose 3D mammography exams are comparable to that of a 2D exam and below the safe level set by the FDA.

Will my insurance company pay for it?

3D mammography is now covered by most insurance companies.

How much does the service cost?

It is $451.00 for 3D mammography and $320.00 for standard 2D mammography

Who can have a 3D mammography exam?

3D mammography is approved for all women who would be undergoing a standard mammogram. At The Breast Center of Greensboro Imaging, patients without implants who are candidates for a screening exam are candidates for 3D mammography. However, this exam is not appropriate for every patient.

A breast biopsy is used when an abnormality which has been detected by ultrasound, mammography or clinical exam is found and tissue acquisition is necessary.

The Breast Center of Greensboro Imaging offers different types of breast biopsies including ultrasound-guided breast biopsy and 3-D stereotactic guided biopsy. All procedures are performed in a convenient, comfortable outpatient setting. These procedures are minimally invasive. You can return to normal activities the following day.

We also offer MRI guided biopsies at our 315 West Wendover location.

How to prepare for your breast biopsy

Eat a light meal before your biopsy. Wear a comfortable two-piece outfit so you may keep your pants on during the procedure. You will be asked to wear a gown. Most women can return to normal activities the same day with minimal limitations. You will not need a driver because we use only a local anesthetic which will numb the area where the biopsy is being done.

What Happens During the biopsy?

Our technologist will take a brief medical history, a radiologist will explain the procedure and have you sign a consent form. You will be asked to change into a gown and lie down on a table or sit in a chair depending on the type of biopsy. The doctor will apply a local anesthetic to your breast. A biopsy needle is inserted into the breast abnormality by the radiologist using image-guided technology. Samples are obtained and a small biopsy marking clip is placed in the area biopsied which will identify the site for future reference. The marker will cause no pain, disfigurement or harm. Following the procedure, your skin is covered with steri-strips and band-aid to protect the biopsy site and promote healing. A follow-up mammogram is then obtained to confirm proper placement of the biopsy clip.

Plan for approximately a 1-2 hour appointment which includes a radiologist consultation and additional mammogram images following the procedure. The actual procedure will take 30 to 40 minutes to complete.

After the Breast Biopsy

You will be sent home with 2 ice packs, band-aids, gauze and post-procedure instructions. The site will be tender for a few days and bruising may be present. Most women experience a moderate ache which is usually controlled by an ice compress and acetaminophen (Tylenol). The biopsy site can remain tender for 1-2 weeks. Wear a bra with good support, even a sports bra if you have one. Do not engage in any strenuous activity and get plenty of rest. You may shower the morning after the biopsy, being careful not to soak or scrub the biopsy site. A small lump at the biopsy site may be present, which should disappear in about a month.

When Can I Expect Results?

Samples are sent to Moses Cone pathology lab for analysis. You will be contacted by our nurses the day after your biopsy. Most biopsy results are ready the next day. Your doctor will also receive a report.

Why should I or my doctor consider VenaCure laser vein treatment for my varicose veins?

There are two reasons to consider laser vein treatment at Greensboro Imaging. First, it might be medically necessary. Varicose veins can be painful and limit your physical activity. In the worst cases, they can lead to eczema, chronic thickening and discoloration of the skin, blood clots, ulceration, or the rupturing of the problem vein. Second, you may choose to have laser vein therapy for purely cosmetic reasons to enhance the appearance of your legs.

How is VenaCure laser vein treatment different from surgery?

Surgery involves anesthesia, pain in the affected areas and a lengthy recovery period. VenaCure laser vein treatment eliminates those problems and has a very low risk of infection. VenaCure is minimally invasive, meaning that the entry point for the procedure is very small and doesn’t require stitches. There is no recovery period and the treatment isn’t painful. In fact, you’ll be up and walking as soon as it’s over and able to resume normal activities.

How does the laser work? Is it safe?

A laser is a highly concentrated beam of light. Medical lasers deliver this light energy to targeted tissue with extreme precision to avoid affecting the surrounding tissue. Medical lasers have been proven safe and effective through years of use in all kinds of medical procedures. In the hands of a skilled physician, laser procedures have much less risk and fewer complications than conventional surgery.

How does a laser treat varicose veins?

Veins carry blood back to the heart. In your legs, this means the blood has to flow upward, against gravity. Because of that, these veins have one-way valves to prevent the blood from flowing back down. Over time, these valves can fail to close tightly, allowing blood to pool and causing the bulging and twisting appearance of varicose veins. VenaCure fixes this problem by delivering a precise amount of laser energy to just the right tissue, causing the bad vein to close. Your body will automatically route the blood to other healthy veins to compensate.

What’s the procedure like?

Your doctor inserts a thin laser fiber into the vein through a sheath and the laser light goes through the fiber. It’s done in an outpatient setting like your physician’s office or a one-day surgery center. It takes about 45 minutes and requires just local anesthesia. While the treatment may cause an odd sensation, it isn’t painful.

How do I prepare?

Preparation is easy. You simply avoid eating or drinking two hours before the procedure.

How soon will I see results and will the treatment last?

You could start seeing results immediately. There may be some slight swelling right after the procedure. VenaCure has proved to be 97% effective—an outstanding record of success. Therefore, you should not experience a reoccurrence in veins that have been treated. A follow-up might be needed for best aesthetic results.

Will my insurance cover the procedure?

Insurance coverage depends on the specific company and policy and whether or not the treatment is viewed as a medically necessary or cosmetic procedure. In many cases, insurance requires a patient to first try compression stockings or other alternative treatments for a few months before covering laser vein therapy. If you would prefer immediate treatment, bypassing insurance restrictions and red tape, or if your treatment is solely for cosmetic purposes, DRI offers Care Credit patient payment plans.

What is Care Credit?

Care Credit is a financial solution which allows patients to cover the costs of doctor recommended treatments without waiting on insurance delays and red tape. Care Credit offers no interest plans and extended payment plans which will fit most needs. You can apply for Care Credit at DRI Greensboro Imaging and know if you are eligible within minutes.

How can I get more information about VenaCure?

Simply call DRI at 433-5000 to get additional information or to schedule an evaluation with a DRI Greensboro Imaging physician.