Starting with monthly self-exams, annual clinical exams and regular screening mammograms at the appropriate age, you can take charge of your breast health and increase the likelihood of early detection of breast disease. It is estimated that one out of every eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Today’s highly accurate digital mammography and computer aided detection go a long way to improving outcomes.

Please click here for more information and TRA's position on the US Preventive Services Task Force proposed mammography guidelines.

Digital Screening Mammography Exams at TRA

TRA offers the most advanced screening mammograms available—full field digital mammography (FFDM) with computer aided detection (CAD)—along with the expertise necessary for thorough evaluation of your breast health.

Our team of board-certified radiology physicians, who have specialized in mammography and breast imaging, have dedicated their careers to breast health. Additionally, TRA’s female, registered technologists administer mammograms in a private, comfortable, safe, and caring environment just for women.
Find TRA locations for Digital Screening Mammography

What is Digital Screening Mammography and How Does It Work?
Digital mammography, also called full-field digital mammography (FFDM), is a mammography system in which the x-ray film is replaced by specially-designed digital detectors, similar to those found in digital cameras, that convert x-rays into electriconic signals.

Images are displayed on a high resolution computer monitor. This new technology reduces exam time, because there is no waiting for film to develop and there are fewer re-takes needed. Most important, these mammograms are significantly more accurate than traditional, film-based mammograms, especially for women with dense breast tissue and pre- or peri-menopausal women.

The images are digitally archived, reducing the risk of loss of printed films. Your images can be retrieved and sent electronically to your healthcare providers as needed. They can also be printed on CD or film.

Tips to reduce discomfort during a mammogram
No special preparation is necessary for a digital screening mammography, but following these tips may reduce discomfort from breast compression:
- Schedule your mammogram for one week following your menstrual cycle.
- Eliminate coffee, tea or caffeinated products five days prior to your exam.
- Take a non-aspirin pain reliever such as Tylenol (Acetaminophen), Motrin/Advil (Ibuprofen), or Aleve (Naproxen) one hour before your examination.

Mammograms with Breast Implants
All women, including those with breast implants, should have regular screening mammograms. Mammography with breast implants requires special positioning and additional mammographic views.

Regular physical examinations are important for patients with breast implants. This helps in detecting any changes to your breast that the mammogram may not pick up due to decreased visualization of breast tissue.

A mammogram with breast implants usually consists of four views of each breast, one from above and one from the side and two displacement views. Displacement views consist of moving the implant back toward the chest wall and bringing the breast forward. Images are obtained by firmly and briefly pressing the breast between a compression paddle and a plate. Adequate compression is essential to detect subtle abnormalities and reduce radiation exposure. Damage to implants from a mammogram procedure is extremely rare. Finding an abnormality with mammography far outweighs this risk.

How to Prepare for a Digital Screening Mammography Exam
When you schedule your appointment, let us know if you are nursing or if you think you could be pregnant, if you have breast implants, or if you have had recent breast surgery or biopsy.

Please provide TRA with any previous mammography films/images on CD taken at a different location. We are happy to locate any studies provided at TRA outpatient and affiliated hospital locations in Tacoma, Lakewood, Gig Harbor and Federal Way.

15 minutes before your scheduled appointment to register. Plan for at least 30 additional minutes to complete the entire exam process.

How Will I Get the Results of my Mammogram?
Your mammogram will be carefully examined by a TRA board-certified radiologist. Your findings will be promptly forwarded to your healthcare provider. In addition, a letter briefly explaining the results will be mailed to your address. It is important to follow up with your healthcare provider. The results of this examination will be compared to your overall health status, which only your healthcare provider can assess for you.

Does It Mean I Have Cancer If My Mammogram Result Is Abnormal?
Finding out that you have an abnormal result can make anyone anxious. However, try not to panic. A vast majority of breast abnormalities are benign (not cancer). Nevertheless, every abnormality is taken seriously.

Gathering of all the information necessary to make a thorough interpretation from an imaging study can take time and be difficult. All abnormalities found in breast tissue require careful filming and evaluation. Additional mammographic views and different examinations or procedures—such as breast ultrasound, breast MRI, or image-guided breast biopsy—may be necessary to confirm a diagnosis. If this is the case, we will assist you in getting the level of care you need.

Digital Screening Mammography Exams at TRA