Mammogram services

Beginning at age 40, we encourage you to start a conversation with your doctor about routine breast screening, including when it should begin and what type of screening is best for you.

Depending on your personal health history, family history or other risk factors, your doctor may recommend starting earlier or having additional screenings. Regular mammograms can help detect breast cancer early, when it is often easier to treat.

During your mammogram, a technologist will gently position your breast and take X-ray images from different angles. Brief compression is needed to capture clear images and ensure accurate results. Your care team will guide you through the process, answer any questions and make you comfortable.

All women — and even some men — are at risk for breast cancer, but certain factors can greatly increase the likelihood of getting the disease — such as family history of breast or ovarian cancer, obesity, alcohol and tobacco use and genetic mutations, among others. If you're concerned you may be at risk, please talk to your primary care doctor about your screening options.

Many women have dense breasts. This means the breasts contain less fatty tissue and more fibrous or glandular tissue. While having dense breasts is normal, it can make it harder to detect breast cancer on a mammogram. Advanced imaging, including 3D mammography available at Sharp, may help provide a clearer view of breast tissue.

An abnormal mammogram does not necessarily mean you have breast cancer. In some cases, additional imaging, such as a diagnostic mammogram or ultrasound, may be recommended. Sharp offers a full range of breast imaging, biopsy and follow-up care services to help guide you through the next steps.

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy
In an FNA biopsy, a very thin, hollow needle attached to a syringe is used to withdraw (aspirate) a small amount of tissue from a suspicious area. The needle used for an FNA biopsy is thinner than the one used for blood tests.

Core needle biopsy
A core biopsy uses a larger needle to sample breast changes felt by the doctor or seen on an ultrasound, mammogram or MRI.

Stereotactic biopsy
The stereotactic-guided biopsy searches out the precise location of the abnormal area by using conventional mammography from three angles. It uses "stereo" X-rays (X-rays taken from multiple angles) and a special biopsy needle. A stereotactic breast biopsy is the most helpful when no lump can be felt but a mammography shows a mass, a cluster of microcalcifications (tiny calcium deposits that are closely grouped together) or an area of abnormal tissue change.

Ultrasound-guided breast biopsy
A biopsy performed using ultrasound to locate the area in question. Ultrasound-guided biopsy requires no exposure to X-ray, and is a minimally invasive way to obtain a sample of breast tissue for further diagnosis. It is also faster and less painful than traditional surgical biopsy.

Surgical (open) biopsy
In rare cases, surgery is needed to remove all or part of the lump for testing. This is called a surgical or open biopsy. Most often, the surgeon removes the entire mass or abnormal area, as well as a surrounding margin of normal breast tissue.

There are two types of surgical biopsies:

• An incisional biopsy removes only part of the suspicious area, enough to make a diagnosis

• An excisional biopsy removes the entire tumor or abnormal area, with or without trying to take out an edge of normal breast tissue (depending on the reason for the biopsy)

Scheduling a mammogram at Sharp is easy. Mammograms are available at multiple San Diego County locations. You can call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277) or sign in to your Sharp account to schedule an annual screening mammogram.

Sharp combines advanced breast imaging technology, convenient screening locations throughout San Diego and access to specialized follow-up care if additional testing is needed. Patients benefit from 3D mammography, biopsy services and coordinated care from experienced breast imaging and cancer specialists. Sharp offers access to nationally accredited cancer care programs.

Most insurance plans cover screening mammograms at no cost to eligible patients. Because coverage varies, we recommend checking with your insurance provider before your appointment. Sharp accepts most insurance plans.