Digital Mammography

Early Detection Is The Best Protection

An annual mammogram is highly recommended for all women 40 years of age and older. Combined with a monthly breast self-examination and an annual women's health exam from your doctor, the annual mammography is the best method of early breast cancer detection and the best chance of saving lives.

Schedule your mammogram today at 530-626-2861.

Uninsured, under-insured, or pay a high deductible? You may be eligible for a free mammogram. Call 530-672-7050 for more information.

Breast Cancer Screening

Marshall is proud to provide advanced technology for patient diagnosis. With our new 3D mammography system, you can expect:

• more detailed imagery for improved diagnostic accuracy
• earlier detection of breast cancer
• reduced false positive results, minimizing call backs for additional procedures
• low-dose x-ray that meets FDA safety standards

A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray exam of breast tissue, routinely used to screen for breast cancer and to evaluate overall breast health. Unlike 2D mammography, which only allows for a flat image of a three dimensional breast, 3D mammography turns digital breast images into a stack of very thin layers or “slices” to build what is essentially a 3-dimensional mammogram, similar to pages in a book. This allows for detection of smaller masses or tumors in their early stages and research shows that early detection of cancer is critical for the most effective treatment and improved survival. The 3D mammography system at Marshall delivers superior diagnostic accuracy while delivering the lowest radiation dose.

We also use computer-aided detection, or CAD, which is a special computer program that evaluates the images obtained during the test and pinpoints areas that may need a closer look. Combined with the skilled interpretation by our radiologists, CAD helps ensure accurate results.

What to Expect

Mammograms are either called "screening," when the exam is routine and there are no signs of disease; or "diagnostic," when the exam has been ordered due to a symptom such as a lump or breast pain. If a screening mammogram shows any areas that need closer inspection, diagnostic mammography will then be performed. The number of views taken during the mammogram will depend on your unique situation and needs.

When you enter the exam area, we'll provide you with a dressing room to change into an exam gown and cleanse your breast and underarm area to remove any powder, antiperspirant or other residue that may interfere with the testing equipment's accuracy.

Quick facts:

• Most exams take 15 to 30 minutes.

• For the comfort and reassurance of our patients, all mammograms at Marshall are performed by licensed and specially trained female technologists.

• Pre-menopausal women are often encouraged to schedule the exam in the two weeks following menstruation, when breast tissue is typically less tender.

If anything suspicious is found, we employ special protocols to ensure follow up testing and results are handled as quickly as possible, with the involvement of the radiologist and your personal physician.