WinnMed is pleased to offer 3D mammography.
3D mammography is a screening and diagnostic breast imaging tool to improve the early detection of breast cancer.
3D mammography is a screening and diagnostic breast imaging tool to improve the early detection of breast cancer.
A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast that can help identify any abnormalities. There are two types of mammograms: screening and diagnostic.
A yearly screening mammogram is recommended beginning at age 40 or earlier if recommended by your doctor. A screening mammogram documents changes to your breast tissue over time and can alert the radiologist to abnormalities early in the disease process.
Diagnostic mammograms are performed after a woman or her doctor has found a lump or has an abnormality in the breast tissue, or if a screening mammogram highlighted an area of concern.
Breast cancer can be treated most successfully when it is found early, many times before a lump can even be felt. Mammography is the most effective method of screening for breast cancer and can lead to early detection, which is the key to higher survival rates, better prognosis and lower treatment costs.
As your most trusted partner for breast care, WinnMed is pleased to offer 3D mammography for patients.
3D mammography is a relatively new screening and diagnostic breast imaging tool to improve the early detection of breast cancer. Low-dose images from different angles around the breast create the 3D picture. The detailed images allow for a better evaluation of the breast tissue, layer by layer. 3D mammography also can provide better images of dense breast tissue than conventional mammography, and is now covered by most insurance plans.
Patients benefit from softer, warmer mammograms through the use of special breast cushions during each mammogram, as they have come to expect from their experience at WinnMed.
WinnMed provides a full-time, on-site Mayo Clinic Health System radiologist who specializes in breast health and breast disease diagnosis. Our mammography suite is staffed with skilled, compassionate and certified mammography technologists, including technologists trained in mammography for women with breast implants.
Patients who need further testing after a mammogram screening can often have same day diagnostic workup appointments at WinnMed. WinnMed offers biopsy options and surgical options, including ultrasound-guided breast biopsies and sentinel node mapping – all in a private, comfortable environment, conveniently available at the medical center in Decorah.
Patients can self-request screening mammograms so long as they are able to identify the provider they want to receive their results. WinnMed mammography offers daily appointments, Monday through Friday.
Before your exam, a mammographic technologist will ask you to change into a gown and remove any jewelry. The technologist will guide you to the mammography unit and position each breast, one at a time, on a special platform within the unit. When you are ready, the technologist will lower a compression paddle, which will compress your breast for a short time. Images will be taken from a top-to-bottom view and an angled side view. The process will be repeated for the other breast.
Breast compression is necessary in order to:
Special note about mammograms: Do not use deodorant, powder or perfume in your underarm or breast area on the day of your exam. These products may contain a metallic base that can look like an early breast cancer in the images. WinnMed supplies products for you to use following your mammogram.
Although it is non-invasive, a mammogram may cause some discomfort, especially if you have sensitive breasts. Try to schedule your mammogram when you are not menstruating to reduce breast sensitivity. The exam takes about 20 minutes to perform. A radiologist will interpret the mammogram and your doctor will receive the results of the images. A letter with the results will also be mailed to you.
With patient convenience in mind, WinnMed is pleased to provide online scheduling for 3D screening mammograms to patients who have a WinnMed MyChart account. Patients can log into their MyChart account, and enter the Visits tab. From there, follow the prompts to schedule a screening mammogram appointment. Most insurance plans cover an annual screening mammogram. When scheduling online, be sure to select a date that is over one year from your previous mammogram.
Why does the compression have to be so tight?
Do I still need a mammogram past the age of 80?
How often should I have a mammogram?
Doesn’t compression cause breast cancer?
Why do I need extra pictures taken?
Winneshiek County Celebration of Life, a local non-profit organization, raises funds throughout the year to provide mammogram screenings free of charge to area women in need.
WinnMed actively participates in this program.
Women who are uninsured can qualify for a free screening at WinnMed. The application is a simple one-page form that is based on insurance deductibles, income, and number of persons in the household to name a few.
Winneshiek County Celebration of Life provides gasoline and grocery grants to support people with cancer on their journey to recovery.
Grants are awarded to those actively pursuing treatment for any form of cancer. The nominee must be 18 years or older, in active treatment for any form of cancer, and be either a resident or have a family doctor in Winneshiek County, Iowa. Nominations are accepted year round.
Nomination forms are reviewed monthly. Recipients may receive a one-time $300 gas card and a one-time $100 grocery card per calendar year to help offset the expense for traveling to appointments and additional care required. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
To apply, nominate, or for more information on Celebration of Life programs, visit www.winneshiekcol.com.
WinnMed performs ultrasound-guided breast biopsies and surgical biopsies when a mammogram or ultrasound suggests further testing.
An ultrasound-guided breast biopsy is an outpatient procedure that is performed by a radiologist. You are awake during this procedure. During an ultrasound-guided breast biopsy, you will be asked to lie on your back on an exam table, with your arm on the affected side raised above your head. The radiologist will inject local anesthesia into the affected breast, numbing the area for the procedure. Using an ultrasound probe to guide him or her, the radiologist will make a small incision (about 1/8 inch in length) to insert a special biopsy needle. The needle will remove a small amount of breast tissue; the radiologist will take several samples to ensure adequate sampling.
Following the procedure, the breast tissue samples will be evaluated by a pathologist and the results will be sent to your doctor. Your doctor will share the results with you and, together, you will determine the next steps of your care.
An ultrasound-guided breast biopsy takes between 30-60 minutes to complete.
Surgical biopsies are performed by general surgeons at WinnMed. They are done as an outpatient procedure in the operating room. Talk to your doctor to determine the right plan of care for you.
Following the procedure, the breast tissue samples will be evaluated by a pathologist and the results will be sent to your doctor. Your doctor will share the results with you and, together, you will determine the next steps of your care.
