FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Boutique Breast Imaging is a dedicated, personalized breast imaging service led by compassionate and collaborative breast experts who are experienced and breast fellowship-trained. Our focus is on providing the highest quality breast care experience, ensuring the highest diagnostic accuracy with the least anxiety and discomfort. We offer the most comprehensive and caring evaluation and consultation.
A Screening Mammogram is a routine or annual mammogram for patients with no current or new breast symptoms or changes. A Diagnostic Mammogram is ordered by your physician because he or she is aware of your breast symptoms or changes. You should qualify for a screening mammogram if you do not have any breast problems or prior surgery for cancer.
Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT) is a new digital mammography technology commonly referred to as a 3D mammogram. DBT imaging takes picture of the breast in very thin slices which eliminates tissue overlap. These thin slices allow the radiologist to view a clearer image of the inner breast tissue, an important benefit for dense breast tissue. Boutique Breast Imaging utilizes a combination of 2D (better for evaluation of calcifications) and 3D mammography (better to see through tissue) for the most accurate examination available.
If you feel or see something unusual such as thickening, nipple discharge (without squeezing), pain or a lump, call your doctor immediately and they will determine your next course of care. If you have any of the above, you do not qualify for an annual, routine screening mammogram. Please contact your physician to obtain an order for your Diagnostic Mammogram with possible Ultrasound.
Your results will be sent to you and your physician. Additional images and possible ultrasound will be needed, and we will schedule this follow up examination as soon as possible to reduce the anxiety-provoking wait. The breast radiologist will discuss the results with you at the time of the examination. Oftentimes, nothing further needs to be done. If a cancer is detected at screening mammogram, it is usually curable.
We are exposed to natural sources of radiation all the time. According to recent estimates, the average person in the U.S. receives an effective dose of about 3 mSv (millisievert) per year from natural radiation, which includes cosmic radiation from outer space. These natural “background doses” vary according to where you live.
People living at high altitudes such as Colorado or New Mexico receive about 1.5 mSv more per year than those living near sea level. A coast-to-coast round-trip airline flight is about 0.03 mSv due to exposure to cosmic rays. The largest source of background radiation comes from radon gas in our homes (about 2 mSv per year). Like other sources of background radiation, the amount of radon exposure varies widely depending on where you live.