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 400 Patroon Creek Blvd., Suite 104, Albany, NY 12206 | (518) 239-5200 Request an Appointment

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Mammography

At Akira of Albany, we understand that even screening exams, like mammograms, can make some people feel anxious. Still, annual breast cancer screenings are critical for maintaining good breast health--for detecting minor, manageable problems before they become big ones.

If you do feel nervous, you're not alone. But your health is essential, and we want to help you maintain it. If you've got questions or concerns, you can talk to us. We'll do whatever we can to make you feel more comfortable, more at ease, so you receive the best possible care for you.

The Genius:
Bringing 3D Mammography to the Capital Region

At Akira, one thing we’re really excited about is The Genius™ 3D Mammography™ exam. It’s among the best, most innovative mammography technology available, and it provides real benefits to all of our patients. We like it for two main reasons: Not only is it more accurate in terms of detecting signs of breast cancer than standard 2D mammography, it also significantly reduces the number of unnecessary callbacks due to inconclusive 2D tests. That means less unnecessary stress and worry for lots of women.

The Genius™ 3D Mammography™ Exam

The Genius™ 3D Mammography™ exam allows doctors to examine your breast tissue layer by layer. Instead of viewing all of the complexities of your breast tissue in a flat image, as with conventional 2D mammography, fine details are more visible and no longer hidden by the tissue above or below. The Genius exam consists of a 2D and 3D™ image set, where the 2D image can be either an acquired 2D image or a 2D image generated from the 3D™ image set.
 
The Genius™ 3D Mammography™ exam provides better, earlier breast cancer detection compared to 2D alone. It finds 20-65% more invasive breast cancers than 2D mammography alone. Genius exams have also proven to reduce unnecessary callbacks by up to 40%.
 
More than 200 clinical studies have shown that doctors can screen for breast cancer with greater accuracy by using this technology, which means better breast cancer detection and a reduced chance of being called back for additional screenings.

What to Expect at Your Mammogram

The Day of Your Appointment

Ready to go? Tips for mammogram prep.
  • Please avoid deodorants or antiperspirants. Some substances in deodorant can skew the results. Feel free to bring some with you to apply after your exam (Or go natural! We won't judge!).
  • Please avoid wearing perfume or glitter lotions. These may also skew the results.
  • Wear comfortable clothes, especially a comfortable top that is easy to remove.
  • If you've received a mammogram elsewhere in the past, please bring dates and locations of previous mammograms so the radiologist will have something to compare your current Mammogram to.
  • When you arrive and check-in, please share any questions or concerns, big or small,  with Akira staff. That's why we're here.

Your Mammogram

  • We'll get you settled. You'll need to change into a Mammogram friendly gown. So you'll have to undress from the waist up.
  • A tech will walk with you to the examining room. Inside they'll help position you to get the best possible image.
  • To get the cleanest, most detailed image, the machine uses plates to compress the breast. It only lasts for a few seconds while we snap the picture (We promise not to ask you to say cheese!).
  • Reposition and repeat. Expect at least two images of each breast. For diagnostic mammograms or women with implants or larger breasts, the technologist may take additional images.

After Your Mammogram

Get dressed, high-five someone, go have a glass of wine?, feel good about taking the right steps to care for your body.
  • Screening Mammogram Results
    • We will mail you and your referring provider a full report of your results. 
  • Diagnostic Mammogram Results
    • Our Radiologist will review your mammogram right away. If you’re nervous about your results, this waiting period can be stressful. That’s why same-day results are so important to us. After your exam, you're invited to wait at Akira. Or feel free to leave, and we'll call you as soon as we have your results. Your radiologist will be ready with a plan, and will guide you through the next steps no matter the outcome.

A Helpful Tip

Try to avoid scheduling your Mammogram a week before your period when breasts can be tender and sometimes swollen. 

What is Breast Cancer Screening?

A screening mammogram is a safe, tested, and effective way to monitor breast health. A mammogram uses low-dose x-rays to search for changes or abnormalities in the breast. The vast majority of screening mammograms reveal perfectly healthy breasts--and thanks to The Genius™ 3D Mammography™ exam, there are fewer inconclusive mammograms than ever before. Which means fewer unnecessary call-backs.

Diagnostic Imaging: Detecting Breast Cancer

If an abnormality is detected during a screening mammogram, a test proves inconclusive, or a person shows symptoms attributable to breast cancer, a diagnostic mammogram or diagnostic ultrasound may be recommended.

These tests offer greater insight into the health of the breast, which helps us determine whether  cancer might be present, and whether a biopsy is needed to make a definitive diagnosis.

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P: (518) 239-5200 | F: (518) 616-7200

400 Patroon Creek Blvd., Suite 104
Albany, NY 12206

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