Department of Diagnostic Imaging
Location: Suite 026
Director: Kurt Meehan, R.T.
Appointments: 216-382-2853
Hours: Monday - Wednesday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Thursday: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
(every other Saturday)

General Description
What to Expect
How to Prepare
About the Department of Diagnostic Imaging
Registration Form
Notice of Privacy Practices and Patient Rights

General Description
A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast that is used to either screen for breast cancers that are too small to be felt or to help determine the cause of a lump felt in the breast. Mammograms detect 85 - 90% of breast cancers, including tiny cancers that may measure less than a quarter inch in diameter. Generally, a lump must be a half inch in diameter before it can be felt. Most medical authorities agree that a woman should have a mammogram every one to two years starting at age 40 and every year beginning at age 50.

The Diagnostic Imaging Department is now using a state-of-the-art technology called ImageChecker®, a Computer-Aided Detection (C.A.D.) system, that serves as a "second pair of eyes" for radiologists reading mammograms. Using the system could result in earlier detection because it analyzes images and draws the radiologist's attention to suspicious features that may be cancer. It is a two-step procedure. First, the radiologist will comprehensively review your mammogram and then activate the ImageChecker® to determine if any marked areas need additional review.

What to Expect
Your breasts will be imaged one at a time. Each breast will be carefully positioned on a special film cassette and then gently compressed with a plexiglas paddle. You will feel pressure. Some women will experience varying degrees of discomfort. While the breast is compressed, an x-ray will be taken. Your doctor will receive a written report approximately 48 hours after the scan.

How to Prepare

1. Bring any previous mammograms that were taken at other facilities for comparison purposes.
2. Do not use powder/deodorant on your breast area or underarms on the day of the exam.2. Do not use powder/deodorant on your breast area or underarms on the day of the exam.
3. For comfort, wear a two-piece outfit (e.g., blouse and skirt or sweater/shirt and slacks).
4. Eliminate caffeine for one - two weeks before your appointment to help reduce breast tenderness.
5. Please arrive 10 minutes before your appointment and bring the requisition provided by your physician.

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