Hunterdon Radiological Associates, P.A. is dedicated to providing quality medical care by:
1. Being sensitive and responsive to the healthcare needs of the community
2. Protecting the privacy of the patient
3. Acting in a professional manner and maintaining the highest standards of personal integrity and ethics
4. Utilizing state of the art equipment and highly skilled professionals
Digital Mammography
Mammography is one of the most important weapons in diagnosing breast cancer in women and men. Mammography is a specific type of imaging that uses a low energy x-ray beam that causes breast abnormalities such as cysts or tumors, to stand out against the background of fatty tissue found in the breast. The key to successful treatment is early detection.
Digital mammography is the most recent advancement in breast cancer prevention and detection. To get an idea of the difference between a digital and traditional mammography, consider the differences between digital and traditional photography. Digital mammography offers shorter exam times and better picture quality. In addition, the images are accessible immediately after they are taken. That way, the radiologist can review your images while you’re still in the exam room. If additional images are needed due to areas of suspicion or insufficient coverage, they can be taken during the same visit. Hunterdon Radiological Associates is ACR accredited in digital mammography. We offer both screening and diagnostic mammograms. A screening mammogram is for women who have no current problems; this mammography includes four views (two of each breast) a top-to-bottom view and a side view. However, since the structures within the breast may be superimposed, the radiologist may ask the technologist to do additional views, a cone down compression or a different angle. These views are done to spread out the structures so that the breast tissue can be better visualized. The screening mammography can assist in the detection of disease up to two years before the patient or physician can feel any lumps. Routine screening mammography should be obtained annually beginning at the age of 40.
A diagnostic mammogram is aimed for women who currently have a problem such as palpable lump, new pain in the breast, nipple discharge, or patients, who at their last screening mammography examination had an abnormality found. Women who have had breast implants also must have a diagnostic mammogram since additional views are obtained in these women to attempt to image as much as the breast tissue as possible with the implant moved out of the film.
Due to the advances in mammography technology, optimum breast imaging can be done during any part of a woman's menstrual cycle. However, adequate compression remains a very important part of a clear visible study. Therefore, it is advisable to schedule your mammography at a time during your menstrual cycle when your breasts are least tender. By doing that we can be sure to get the compression we need and not cause unnecessary discomfort.
About the Exam During your exam, each breast will be compressed between plastic paddles in the mammography machine to optimize the quality of the mammogram. Here at Hunterdon Radiological Associates we place the Woman's Touch MammoPad® breast cushion on the compression surface, cushioning the patient's ribs and breast tissue to relieve discomfort. Breast compression is necessary in order to even out the breast thickness so all of the tissue can be visualized. Compression is also necessary to spread out the tissue so small abnormalities won't be obscured by overlying breast tissue. The thinner the breast is compressed, the lower the radiation dose and the easier it is to hold the breast still in order to eliminate blurring of the image caused by motion. You will feel pressure as the breast is compressed. The technologist will work with you to obtain the best possible films. She will step behind a glass shield while taking the images, and will apply compression in gradations. Be sure to inform the technologist if you experience any pain.
Often additional views will be required to complete your exam. Please do not be alarmed if we ask you to come back for more mammographic views or more tests. We are very careful to complete your evaluation effectively. In most cases, these additional views verify a normal examination.
After your exam is completed, a board-certified radiologist will interpret your films, and a written report will be forwarded to the physician who ordered the examination. The patient will also receive a mammography letter with the results and recommendations for follow-up examinations.
The quality of mammograms has vastly improved. However, since mammography is not 100% accurate it is very important that patients also perform monthly breast self-examinations and have yearly physician examination of the breast by their physician. It is very important, while scheduling your appointment that you let us know about any old exams performed elsewhere.
Patient Prep View this study's patient prep information. You will need to follow these guidelines before taking this exam
Study Locations This study is available at the following HRA location(s): - Brems Imaging Center
Schedule an Appointment View our appointment schedule before you make your next appointment
Digital mammography is the most recent advancement in breast cancer prevention and detection. To get an idea of the difference between a digital and traditional mammography, consider the differences between digital and traditional photography. Digital mammography offers shorter exam times and better picture quality. In addition, the images are accessible immediately after they are taken. That way, the radiologist can review your images while you’re still in the exam room. If additional images are needed due to areas of suspicion or insufficient coverage, they can be taken during the same visit. 
A diagnostic mammogram is aimed for women who currently have a problem such as palpable lump, new pain in the breast, nipple discharge, or patients, who at their last screening mammography examination had an abnormality found. Women who have had breast implants also must have a diagnostic mammogram since additional views are obtained in these women to attempt to image as much as the breast tissue as possible with the implant moved out of the film. 
Patient Prep