A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray that produces an image of the breast. It is an essential component of ensuring good breast health. TriPoint Medical Center, West Medical Center, and Mentor Campus offer digital mammography. Digital mammography has been found to be diagnostically superior for pre- and peri-menopausal women. It also allows us to perform a mammogram faster without sacrificing image quality. That means we can service more patients each day, reducing the time that a woman has to wait to schedule her mammogram. Lake Health offers mammograms at TriPoint Medical Center, West Medical Center, Mentor Campus, Madison Campus, and Chardon Campus. The mammography facilities are accredited by the American College of Radiology.

What to Expect

During the exam, a technologist will position your breast in the mammography unit. Your breast will be compressed with a paddle. Flattening the breast is necessary to even out breast thickness so that all of the tissue can be visualized. Compression can be uncomfortable, especially in women with sensitive breasts. If you experience significant discomfort, please let your technologist know. Each breast will be imaged from the top and from the side.

A radiologist will interpret the images and compare them to any prior mammograms. A report will be sent to your physician. You will also be notified of the results in a letter from Lake Health.

Preparing for Your Mammogram

When scheduling your mammogram, you will be asked if you have had other mammograms and where they were performed. It is your responsibility to obtain prior mammograms not performed at Lake Health and bring them with you the day of your exam. Please describe any breast symptoms or problems to the technologist before the exam.

• It is best to schedule your mammogram at the end of your menstrual period when the breasts are least filled with fluid and are not tender.
• If you have had a mammogram that was very painful, you may want to cut out caffeine for several days prior to your mammogram. You may also want to take ibuprofen or Motrin several days prior to the exam if you have no restrictions on taking these drugs.
• On the day of your mammogram do not wear any deodorant, body powders or perfume. Take your deodorant in your purse and apply it after the exam.
• It is helpful to wear comfortable clothing, possibly a skirt or pants, that will allow you to undress from the waist up.
• The procedure will take approximately 30 minutes.
• Inform your physician or X-ray technologist if you are or may be pregnant.
• Please register 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
• Please bring the physician order to your appointment.

Scheduling an Appointment

A mammogram is performed by appointment only. You can schedule an appointment by calling Lake Health's Centralized Scheduling Department at 1-866-652-5253.