Mammography

GGH offers a state-of–the-art Digital Mammography x-ray procedure which has been proven to be effective at diagnosing abnormalities in dense breast tissue, often when abnormalities are still too small to be felt. The technologist will explain the procedure, review the medical history and answer any questions. Each breast will be compressed for only a few seconds. This should not be painful, although it can be uncomfortable. Compression is extremely important as it provides a clearer image of the breast by separating the tissue and also reduces radiation exposure. For more information about mammography click here.

Guelph General Hospital also has a one-day Breast Assessment Clinic. It is designed to significantly reduce the amount of time a woman spends waiting to know whether or not she has breast cancer.

The patient’s journey usually begins when a lump is found or a shadow appears on a screening mammogram. Then, it can take up to three visits to the hospital over a four to six week period before a diagnosis can be made. Usually, a second mammogram is needed which may be followed by an ultrasound. Then, some will need a needle biopsy with the sample sent to the lab. Now with the new clinic, all that is done in one day.

It can result in quickly getting good news too. Some women will have a false alarm because something abnormal is found on mammogram but after more tests, no cancer is found.

The clinic is held every Wednesday. An appointment at the clinic requires a referral from a physician.