Mammograms are X-ray images of your breasts designed to detect cancers and other changes in breast tissue. A screening mammogram is used to detect breast changes that could be cancerous in people who have no signs or symptoms. The goal is to detect cancer when it’s small and treatment may be less invasive.

Digital mammography uses computers and specially designed digital detectors to produce an image that can be displayed on a high-resolution computer monitor and can be transmitted and stored like any computer file.

For patients, having a digital mammogram is very much like having a conventional screen-film mammogram. Both film-based and digital mammography use compression and x-rays to create clear images of the inside of the breast. But digital mammography offers us at Alta Vista Regional Hospital a few benefits that traditional mammography does not, including the ability to manipulate images (zoom, adjust the contrast) and potentially reduce radiation exposure, as being able to adjust the image’s brightness and contrast reduces the need for retakes due to over or under exposure.

Call 505-426-3920 or 505-426-3610 to schedule a screening mammogram. No physician order necessary.

A physician order is not required, but the patient must provide the physician’s name when an appointment is made. If the patient does not have a physician, a list will be provided for the patient’s selection. Your exam will be performed by a radiology technologist specially trained in mammography. All mammogram reports will be sent to their physician and follow-ups are the responsibility of the patient.