My Iredell
Patient portal
My Iredell
Reviewed 2/23/2023
Mammograms
Tips for your ease, comfort and an accurate exam
Regular mammograms help find cancer in its early stages, when it's usually easier to treat. In fact, when breast cancer is detected before it spreads, the average 5-year survival rate is 99%.
PLAN AHEAD
Schedule your mammogram for the week after your period, when your breasts are less likely to be swollen and tender. If you have implants, tell the facility when you make the appointment.
Arrange for any previous mammograms to be sent for comparison. Or get copies to bring with you.
WHAT TO AVOID
On the day of your mammogram, don't use deodorant, powders, lotions or perfumes on your chest or arms. These products can show up as white spots on your mammogram, affecting its accuracy.
HOW TO DRESS
Wear a top or blouse—with pants or a skirt—rather than a dress. That way, you'll only need to undress from the waist up.
SPEAK UP AT YOUR EXAM
Let the technologist know about any concerns you have about your breasts.
KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT
Find out when and how you'll be notified of the results of your mammogram.
PROTECT YOUR FUTURE
Women age 45 or older should get regular mammograms, according to the American Cancer Society. Women with a high risk of breast cancer should start screening earlier.
Review your risk for breast cancer with your doctor, and determine a screening schedule that’s right for you.
What's your personal risk of breast cancer?
With this assessment tool, you can learn more about what raises breast cancer risk and which of those factors apply to you.
Sources: American Cancer Society; RadiologyInfo.org
Sources
- American Cancer Society. " American Cancer Society Recommendations for the Early Detection of Breast Cancer." https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/screening-tests-and-early-detection/american-cancer-society-recommendations-for-the-early-detection-of-breast-cancer.html.
- American Cancer Society. "Breast Cancer Early Detection and Diagnosis." Breast Cancer Early Detection and Diagnosis | How To Detect Breast Cancer.
- American Cancer Society. "Breast Cancer Facts & Figures." https://www.cancer.org/research/cancer-facts-statistics/breast-cancer-facts-figures.html.
- American Cancer Society. "Cancer Facts and Statistics." Cancer Facts and Statistics.
- MedlinePlus. "Mammogram." https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003380.htm.
- RadiologyInfo.org. "Mammography." https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/mammo#preparation.
At Iredell Health System’s Imaging Department, you can count on fast and accurate results when you need an imaging test.
We are the only full-service imaging department in Statesville offering diagnostic x-ray, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, nuclear medicine, PET scan, MRI, and screening and diagnostic mammography.
We also offer imaging services at Iredell Imaging at Mooresville.
What sets our imaging center apart
The advantages of choosing our team for your next imaging test include:
- Groundbreaking technology. We are committed to investing in the most advanced technology in the county so you can be assured of the best care. With a fast and accurate diagnosis, your healthcare provider can plan your treatment quickly and effectively.
- Our highly skilled team. Our entire team is committed to delivering safe, compassionate, quality imaging that is personalized to fit your unique needs. All procedures are conducted by registered technologists. Imaging exams are read by board-certified radiologists.
- Convenient scheduling. For most exams, your appointment will be scheduled for the next day. If you need to do anything to prepare for your exam, you will receive instructions from our team.
Our medical imaging services
Medical imaging tests we offer include:
This test can be used to diagnose low bone density (a potential sign of osteoporosis) and assess how well treatments for the disease are working.
Talk to your healthcare provider about when you should begin having bone density tests.
Also known as a CAT scan or computed tomography, this test uses specialized x-ray equipment and powerful computers to create cross-sectional images of the inside of the body or the head. CT scans provide more detail than conventional x-rays and can produce images of bone, soft tissue and blood vessels at the same time.
Our CT technologies include the SOMATOM Sensation 64, manufactured by Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc. This is the world's first CT scanner able to take 192 images of the heart per second. The SOMATOM Sensation 64 offers exceptional image quality, which can mean better diagnosis, faster recovery time, and increased comfort and convenience for you.
We offer digital and 3D mammography.
3D mammography. Benefits include low-dose radiation, excellent image quality and the ability to take multiple pictures of each breast from various angles. Known as digital breast tomosynthesis, it has the potential to revolutionize mammography and breast cancer screening because it removes the clutter to make a mammogram easier to read for women with all breast tissue types.
This can be done in conjunction with a traditional mammogram. There may be an additional charge for this, depending on your insurance. We also have financial assistance if you do not have insurance.
Digital mammography. Low-dosage x-ray equipment is used to determine the presence of diseased breast tissue. Mammography is recognized by health professionals and the American Cancer Society as a highly effective tool in diagnosing breast cancer.
You don’t need a physician’s referral for a screening mammogram if you meet the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) mammography recommendations for breast cancer screening.
Visit our breast health page to learn more about our mammography services and see screening recommendations from the ACS.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides highly detailed images of organs, the brain, joints and other soft tissue by using a strong magnetic field and radiofrequency waves that can "look through" bones.
An exam usually takes 30 to 60 minutes and consists of several image sequences lasting 5 to 10 minutes each, with most studies requiring four to six sequences to complete.
Iredell's MRI system offers a number of diagnostic imaging capabilities, including stroke, body MRA (angiography for the diagnosis of circulatory diseases) and cardiac imaging in a design that provides maximum patient comfort.
Appointments are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
A myelogram is an x-ray procedure that allows your doctor to see the spinal canal of the back to evaluate the nerve roots. The procedure is performed by a radiologist in the Imaging Department at Iredell Memorial Hospital and is followed by a CT exam.
During a nuclear medicine test, you will receive a very small dose of a radioactive substance, and images will be made by detecting the energy that is emitted by the substance. The amount of radiation you are exposed to is about the same as with a routine x-ray.
Appointments are available Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Iredell Memorial offers Iredell County's first permanently fixed PET system, the gold standard for advanced cancer diagnosis and other disorders. PET, or positron emission tomography, detects disease quickly and accurately by identifying biochemical changes in the body.
The PET/CT has a variety of oncology applications, including early detection, determining the stage of cancer, checking for recurrence and assessing the effectiveness of chemotherapy. In addition, there are neurological and cardiac applications.
Learn more about Iredell Health System's full range of cancer services.
Appointments are available Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Ultrasound exams use high-frequency sound rather than x-rays to produce images. Ultrasound can be used to show movement, because the images are created in real time.
Ultrasound can image muscle, soft tissue and bone surfaces. It is often used to evaluate pain, swelling and infection. Common uses are to examine the bladder, gallbladder, kidneys, liver, ovaries, pancreas, parathyroid, spleen, thyroid, scrotum and uterus.
Pregnancy ultrasound (also known as a sonogram) is often used to follow the growth and development of a fetus.
Appointments are available Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
These diagnostic exams create images that can be used to evaluate a condition or guide treatment.
Walk-in routine diagnostic x-ray exams are available.
Appointments for scheduled x-ray procedures requiring the services of a radiologist are available Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
How to schedule an imaging test
All imaging exams except screening mammography must be ordered by a physician.
To schedule an imaging test, please call us at 704.878.4944.