What to Expect After Your Mammogram at AdventHealth Imaging Center Winter Garden

Getting your annual mammogram is one of the best ways to take charge of your health. If concerns about COVID-19 have caused you to delay your appointment, know that it’s not only safe to come in, it could potentially save your life.

When you get screened for cancer, you’re doing the very important work of prioritizing your preventive care. Enhanced safety precautions are in place at AdventHealth Imaging Center Winter Garden to protect you and our team. We’re prioritizing efficiency, accuracy and safety so you feel comfortable and cared for.

Sometimes a mammogram tells us we need to take a closer look at an area of concern. In that case, we’ll reach out to you about your results — and we understand that getting that kind of phone call can be stressful.

But take a deep breath: A follow-up from your mammogram doesn't automatically mean cancer. According to the American College of Radiology, about 10% of women are called back for more tests. And the American Cancer Society reports that fewer than 1 in 10 of those women who are screened further discover they have cancer.

You may be anxious if you’re called back after your mammogram. But your team at AdventHealth Imaging Center Winter Garden is here to support you and help safeguard your health.

“We don’t want concerns about your safety to ever keep you from getting the potentially life-saving screening you need,” says Jim Laack, the practice manager at AdventHealth Imaging Center Winter Garden. “From temperature checks to social distancing and more, know that our imaging center has extraordinary precautions in place to protect you.”

Here’s what happens after you have a mammogram and what it means when you're asked to return for more tests.

Screening Mammograms

“Routine mammograms are referred to as screening mammograms,” explains AdventHealth Winter Garden primary care provider Amanda Nadeau, DO. “Women typically need to start getting annual screening mammograms when they reach their 40s, but I work with patients to determine when they should get screened based on their health history and family history.”

The images taken during your screening mammogram are read by a radiologist within a few days of your appointment. You’ll be contacted afterward (by mail, phone or AdventHealth app) about whether the mammogram is normal or if you need to return for follow-up tests, and the report will also be sent to your primary care provider. 

If you haven’t had a mammogram in the past year and you’re over age 40 with no abnormal symptoms, you can self-refer for a screening mammogram. Simply make an appointment and have the results sent directly to you.

“Since imaging appointments aren’t something that can be done through a virtual visit, we know patients may be feeling concerned about having to go to a medical office right now,” says Laack. “We take special care to clean and sanitize our exam rooms and imaging equipment between patients and always wear new masks and clean gloves when we care for you.”

If You're Called Back

“We never want to cause you unnecessary stress or request testing you don’t need,” says AdventHealth Imaging Center Winter Garden radiologist Brian Reeves, DO. “But there are times when you may need supplemental imaging after your initial exam. We don’t take any chances with your health, and will help facilitate those additional screenings.”

There are several reasons you might be called back in for more imaging:

• Some pictures weren’t clear

• The radiologist sees a cyst, calcification or mass

• The radiologist sees an area that appears abnormal

• You have dense breast tissue

Keep in mind that the vast majority of women who need further diagnostic testing do not end up having cancer. But if your care team needs to take a closer look, here are the tools they might use.

Diagnostic Mammograms 

Like your screening mammogram, a diagnostic mammogram is an X-ray of your breast. The experience will be similar and your technician will concentrate on getting additional images of your breast from different angles.

“A screening mammogram looks for signs of cancer and a diagnostic mammogram investigates those signs,” explains Laack. “During a diagnostic mammogram, the images are reviewed by one of our radiologists almost immediately so we can ensure we have what we need to help get you answers.”

Breast Ultrasound 

A breast ultrasound uses sound waves to determine if a mass is a fluid-filled cyst or a solid lump. It can show all areas of your breast, including tissue closest to your chest wall that's hard to study with a mammogram. It’s also non-invasive, painless and doesn't expose you to radiation. You'll lie on a table as a technician moves a handheld device called a transducer across the tissue to view any areas of concern.

Breast MRI 

A breast MRI may be performed along with a mammogram or other imaging procedure if you're at a higher risk of breast cancer. It captures multiple images of your tissue, which are then combined using a computer to generate detailed pictures. In some cases, it’s done after a biopsy tests positive for cancer.

Reading Your Follow-Up Results

After you’ve had an additional screening, your radiologist will explain your results and next steps. You'll likely be told one of three things:

• The suspicious area is benign (not cancerous) and you can return to having annual mammograms

• You’ll need your next mammogram sooner than normal (usually in four to six months) to monitor the area

• You need a biopsy to rule out the presence of cancer

If You Need a Biopsy

If you need a biopsy, we will connect you with a breast imaging coordinator who will answer any questions you have. A biopsy doesn't mean you have cancer, but it's the only way to know for sure. During the procedure, a small amount of tissue or fluid is removed from your breast.

There are several types of biopsies. The type performed depends on how suspicious the area appears, how big it is, where it is in the breast, how many areas are present, other medical problems you might have and your personal preferences.

After the sample is collected, it's sent to a laboratory to be examined by a pathologist. Your results are typically ready within a few business days.

If Your Biopsy Is Negative

If your biopsy rules out cancer, the radiologist may recommend you come back in a few months for a follow-up mammogram or ultrasound of the breast that was biopsied.

If Your Biopsy Is Positive

If cancer is discovered, know we’re here to guide you at every step toward recovery. We’ll connect you with an oncology nurse navigator who works with your primary care doctor to find the best path forward for you. Rest assured our team of oncologists, radiologists, surgeons and wellness experts, all within the same network of care, are ready to create your individualized treatment plan.

Preventive Care Protects Your Long-Term Wellness

You may never experience abnormal results or a call back for more imaging. Whatever your circumstances, we want to make your mammogram experience as smooth, simple and comfortable as possible. Your whole health — in body, mind and spirit — is our priority.

Don’t let fear and uncertainty keep you from this essential screening. We’re here for you with safe, compassionate care. If you still have questions and concerns, reach out for the answers you need. Call us to schedule your mammogram in Winter Garden today at Call407-614-0565 or visit  ScheduleYourMammo.com.