Woman with a technician before a mammogram standing in front of a mammography machine.

Annual Mammograms for Whole Breast Health

When it comes to your breast health, finding issues before they become problems is the best medicine. At our AdventHealth imaging centers throughout Tampa, Polk, Ocala and the Heartland, we offer 3D screening and diagnostic mammograms. From digital mammography to ultrasounds, we use the latest equipment and highest-quality imagery to see every detail of your breast tissue for early detection and effective intervention.

The Two Types of Mammograms

  • Screening Mammogram

    Women ages 40 and up should get a screening mammogram — an X-ray exam of the breast — every year. Screening mammograms are preventive and potentially lifesaving exams for people who have not experienced any abnormal breast symptoms.

  • Diagnostic Mammogram

    Some women may need to have a diagnostic mammogram before age 40 if they begin to develop symptoms, such as a lump, discharge or other abnormalities, or if they have a family history of breast issues. Diagnostic mammograms may also be done as a follow-up to a screening mammogram to further investigate a particular breast area.

What To Expect During Your Mammogram

Before Your Exam

Before your mammogram begins, you’ll need to complete the following:

  • Fill out a breast history form, which will be discussed with the technologist
  • Let us know if there’s a possibility that you’re pregnant
  • Remove any deodorant, talcum powder or lotion under your arms or on your breasts
How a Mammogram Is Performed

You’ll be shown to a dressing room and undress from the waist up. A gown will be offered so the technician can easily access your breasts in the exam room.

When you’re ready, the technologist will position each breast one at a time in the mammogram machine, where it will be briefly compressed between two plates. This keeps your breast from moving and makes the layer of breast tissue thinner, allowing for a sharper image.

Mammograms can be briefly uncomfortable, but the exam shouldn’t be painful. A simple repositioning may help, so let your technologist know if you are uncomfortable.

After Your Exam

Our radiologists use computer-aided detection (CAD) technology to read exam images. They look for any abnormality, including asymmetries, irregular areas of increased density and clusters of small calcifications.

Results from your mammogram will be delivered to your ordering physician between two and 10 days, and your report will be mailed to you between 10 and 30 days. Having prior films from previous mammograms will help accelerate the process. You may also access your health record online by creating an AdventHealth account.

If you have any questions regarding your exam, please don’t hesitate to ask your technologist. It’s important to us that all your concerns and questions are thoroughly addressed.

AH 3D Mobile Mammo

We Can Bring Your Mammogram to You

We’re making getting your annual mammogram easier than ever by bringing our technicians and technology to where you live and work with mobile mammograms.

We converted coach buses to rolling medical offices complete with reception, waiting areas, changing rooms and a mammography suite with a Hologic 3D mammogram system. With comfort and privacy, you can get an annual screening mammogram in as little as 10 minutes and be on your way.

Learn More About Mobile Mammograms

Award-Winning Breast Care You Can Trust

American College of Radiology Diagnostic Imaging Center of Excellence logo.

American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Center of Excellence

Our AdventHealth Sebring and AdventHealth Tampa hospitals are accredited by the American College of Radiology as Breast Imaging Centers of Excellence.

Women's Best Choice Mammo 2024

Women’s Choice Award for America’s Best Mammograms

Our AdventHealth Tampa hospital was named one of America’s best hospitals for mammograms by the Women’s Choice Award.

Showing 1 of 2

Find Breast Ultrasound and Mammogram Near You

Comprehensive Imaging and Whole-Person Care

Whether you’re due for a screening mammogram or need to schedule follow-up imaging care, we offer a variety of imaging services at convenient locations across Florida’s Gulf Coast. We work to get your results quickly so you can get the care you need to feel your best in body, mind and spirit.

Request an Appointment