Comprehensive. Convenient. Compassionate.
A Division of Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center
At Pomona Valley Health Centers (PVHC), we provide expert mammography services to support your breast health with state-of-the-art technology and compassionate care. Whether you need routine screening or advanced diagnostics, our team ensures fast, accurate results in a comfortable and supportive environment.
Contact us directly or continue reading below to learn more about our mammography services.
A mammogram is a specialized medical imaging procedure that uses low-dose digital X-rays to examine breast tissue. It helps doctors and radiologists detect changes or abnormalities, including early signs of breast cancer, even before symptoms appear. Mammograms are also used to investigate lumps or other concerning signs to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.
We refer female patients to our skilled, in-house PVHMC radiology department for their mammogram needs. Our radiologists provide high-tech mammography imaging to ensure a fast, accurate diagnosis. Once completed, we review the scans and determine whether additional steps are needed.
Routine mammograms are a critical tool in the early detection of breast cancer, significantly improving treatment outcomes. The Premier Family Medicine physicians at PVHC recommend:
Early detection is vital in addressing breast health concerns and ensuring the best outcomes for every patient.
During your mammogram:
While the compression might feel uncomfortable, it is brief and ensures accurate imaging for proper diagnosis.
There are two primary types of mammograms: screening and diagnostic. While similar, there are a few crucial differences:
These are routine mammograms for women with no symptoms. They typically take 10-15 minutes and are vital for early detection.
These are for women experiencing symptoms such as pain, nipple discharge, lumps, or changes in breast shape or size. Diagnostic mammograms take longer, as radiologists may focus on specific areas of concern with additional imaging.
If your screening mammogram shows abnormalities, follow-up tests may include:
A breast ultrasound is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of breast tissue. This test is beneficial for evaluating areas of concern detected during a mammogram, such as lumps or abnormalities.
It is often recommended for women with dense breast tissue, as ultrasound can provide additional clarity in areas where mammography may have limitations. The painless procedure does not involve radiation, making it a safe and effective follow-up option.
Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an advanced diagnostic test that uses powerful magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the breast.
Breast MRIs are often used to investigate suspicious findings from a mammogram or ultrasound further. They are especially beneficial for detecting smaller abnormalities that may not be visible with other imaging techniques.
The procedure involves lying inside an MRI scanner while a contrast dye is sometimes injected to enhance image clarity. This minimally invasive test provides critical insights for a more comprehensive evaluation.
A fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is a minimally invasive procedure to collect tissue or fluid samples from a suspicious area within the breast.
During the procedure, a thin, hollow needle is guided into the targeted area to retrieve cells for laboratory analysis. FNA is often performed to determine whether a lump or abnormality is benign or malignant.
The procedure is relatively quick, requires no incisions, and is typically performed under local anesthesia to ensure comfort. The biopsy results help guide the next steps in diagnosis and treatment.
If cancerous or precancerous cells are detected, you’ll be referred to the appropriate specialists at the PVHMC Cancer Center for comprehensive care.
At PVHC, we are dedicated to providing top-tier care for your breast health. Our mammography specialists offer the following:
Understanding what to expect from a mammogram can help ease any concerns and ensure you feel prepared. Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about PVHC's mammography services.
A mammogram involves compressing the breast tissue between two plates to capture detailed X-ray images.
A screening mammogram typically takes 10-15 minutes, while diagnostic mammograms may take longer.
Yes, mammograms use low-dose X-rays and follow strict safety protocols to minimize radiation exposure.
To evaluate the abnormality further, you may need follow-up tests, such as an ultrasound, MRI, or biopsy.
Avoid wearing deodorant, lotion, or perfume on the day of your mammogram, as these can interfere with imaging.
Mammography Services Available at these PVHC Locations