Your doctor has requested a diagnostic mammogram (X-rays of your breasts) for you. Cedars-Sinai has a team of mammography specialists led by Donald S. Cohen, MD. The role of this procedure is to evaluate your breast tissue for anything unusual that may have been felt by you or your physician, or found on your routine screening mammogram.
It is suggested that you do not schedule your mammogram for the week prior to your menstrual cycle (period), as your breasts are usually very sensitive at this time.
It is important that you do not wear deodorant or talcum powder on the day of your exam.
Please leave your jewelry and valuables at home. Although we do not anticipate any delay in your scheduled appointment, we recommend that you bring a book, a magazine or a music player to help pass the time while you are waiting.
You will be asked to complete a "Breast Imaging Questionnaire" prior to your exam. The technologist will review this information with you and will add additional information, as necessary.
You will change into a patient gown, removing your clothes from the waist up.
Once in the exam room, pictures of each breast will be taken. If this is a follow-up to a screening mammogram, only one breast may be imaged.
The pictures are taken while applying pressure to your breast. Although the pressure may be uncomfortable, it is essential to obtain quality pictures.
Your exam will take approximately five to 10 minutes.
The results of the exam will take approximately 15 to 30 minutes. The technologist will review your X-rays with the imaging physician prior to sending you home.
If necessary, additional films may be taken. This is to ensure that any possible abnormality in your breast be thoroughly evaluated. In conjunction with the additional imaging, an ultrasound may also be used to evaluate an abnormality.
There are no restrictions placed on you after this procedure. You may eat or drive as normal.
An imaging physician will read your study and the results will be sent to your personal physician, usually within 48 hours.
In most cases, the imaging physician will review your study with you on the day of your exam.
You will receive a letter in the mail confirming the information the imaging physician provided on the day of your exam.
Your personal physician should discuss these findings with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
To request copies of your pictures on a PC and MAC compatible CD, or a copy of your report, call (310) 423-8000 and follow the prompts for your selection.
If your exam is at 310 S. San Vicente:
The Marcia Israel Mammography Center is located on the northeast corner of San Vicente and Beverly Blvd, diagonally across from the main Cedars-Sinai Medical Center campus. The address is 310 S. San Vicente Blvd.
Parking is available in a lot to the north of the building on San Vicente Blvd. Parking is free with validation.
If your exam is at the S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center:
S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center parking is located in Lot P7 at the corner of San Vicente Boulevard and Gracie Allen Drive. Enter off Sherbourne Drive.
Parking is partially validated and validation is available in the S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center lobby. There is a large metal sculpture in the shape of the number "8" in front of the center.
You may also park in the Medical Center North Tower off George Burns Road.
There is a curbside patient drop-off zone on Gracie Allen Drive.
