Chester Regional Medical Center's Mammography Services are accredited by the American College of Radiology and the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Our mammography services also meet all required standards by the MQSA (Mammography Quality Standards Act) and the South Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources.

Mammograms are performed by our specially trained technologists who are certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists in Mammography. Screening mammography is available by appointment . Services provided by the Mammography Department include screening mammograms, diagnostic mammograms, breast needle localizations, and specimen imaging. Results from your mammogram are typically available within 14 days. Some terms that are often associated with mammography are listed below

Mammogram

A form of x ray that can identify tissue abnormalities in the breast as much as two years before a lump can be felt.

Screening Mammogram

This procedure is used to detect changes in the breast tissue for women who have no signs of breast cancer.

Diagnostic Mammography

This is an x ray of the breast used to diagnose unusual changes within the breast. These can include a lump, pain, nipple thickening or discharge as well as a change in breast size or shape. it can also be used to follow up abnormalities found on a screening mammogram.

Biopsy

This is a procedure where tissue samples are removed from the breast and looked at under a microscope to determine if there are abnormal cells or cancer present.

Breast Ultrasound

This is a procedure in which an Ultrasound Technologists looks at breast tissue to assess the breasts and look for tumors. This examination is often used along with Mammography.

Needle Localization

A procedure used to localize a mass that can only be seen on the mammogram. A needle and a thin wire are placed into the area in question by the radiologist . The patient then goes to the operating room for the biopsy. The needle is the surgeon's guide to find the mass in question.

Fine Needle Aspiration

A very thin needle is placed into a suspicious area to remove a small sample. This procedure may also be used to help differentiate between a lump or a cyst. Sentinel Lymph Node.

Biopsy

This procedure is used to locate lymph nodes near the site of cancer that would receive lymph drainage from the tumor itself.