By appointment only

*Covered by the  RAMQ


Click here for preparation

Mammography is a specialized examination used for early breast cancer screening and the diagnosis of other more frequent pathologies of the breast. Along with the mammography, we offer the service of ultrasound of the breast whenever needed.

Screening mammography are covered by the RAMQ starting at age 40;

• with a doctor’s consultation request for women between 40 and 49 years of age or 70 years of age and up.
• with a letter of invitation from the PQDCS (Quebec breast cancer screening program) or a doctor’s consultation request for women between 50 and 69 years of age.
Diagnostic mammography for women of all ages who have a doctor’s consultation request are also covered by the RAMQ.

Also offered :
• Ultrasound guided biopsies.

MedIRM – Radiologie Médicentre LaSalle is a screening center recognized by the  Health and Social Services Association for the Quebec program of breast cancer screening (PQDCS) and by the Canadian Association of radiologists.

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer diagnosed in Quebec women.  We estimate that one woman out of nine has a chance of developing this cancer during her lifetime.  Being a woman and getting older are the two principal risk factors.  Having women who have had breast cancer in the family (grandmother, mother, sister, etc.) is also a risk factor, but the majority of women who have breast cancer do not have any  in their family.  Even if you don’t feel anything, the mammography can find very small changes in your breasts.

The screening mammography is a radiography of the breasts that allows detection of very small lesions which often would not be palpable.  Usually, two radiographies of each breast are necessary; a frontal view and an oblique angle.

The breast is compressed to allow a precise image of the inside of the breast and to reduce the quantity of radiation required by reducing the thickness of the breast.  The risk of developing a cancer because of frequent mammographies is non existent.

Some women are uncomfortable and feel pain during the compression of the breast.  This pain is usually brief and should not be a concern.  If your breasts are sensitive, it is preferable to avoid coffee, tea, chocolate and colas during the two weeks prior to the exam.  For the same reason, it is recommended that the examination be done during the ten days following the beginning of your menstrual cycle or when your breasts are less sensitive.

It is possible that after receiving the result of your mammography, your doctor (or your CDD) asks you to have other exams.  This does not necessarily mean that you have breast cancer.

Mammography is recognized as the most efficient method to detect breast cancer.  However, it has its limits.  For example, we estimate that in almost 7% of women participating in a breast cancer screening program, the results of the mammography are interpreted as uncertain.

In the vast majority of cases, there is no breast cancer. For example, in a screening context, the majority of exams done reveal mostly non cancerous lesions.

When a mammography shows abnormal or uncertain signs, additional exams are then necessary to establish an exact diagnostic.

There are many types of exams, each one corresponding to a specific need.  Of course, you will not have to pass all these exams, only those relating to your particular condition.

These exams may be:
Clinical exam of the breasts.	Palpation of the breasts and the underarms by a doctor ;
Additional radiographies	Additional mammographies in order to determine the nature of the lesion ;
Ultrasound	Exam using ultrasounds, mainly to determine if there are cysts in the breast ; some private screening centers (CDD) can offer ultrasound exams which may require billing the patient ;
	Biopsy of cells with a fine needle where the lesion if palpable in the breast ;
Biopsy with a trocar	Biopsy of tissue with a larger needle in a lesion in the breast;
Surgical biopsy	Biopsy of a lesion done surgically ;
Stereotaxic localization	Procedure permitting the insertion of a guide in a non palpable lesion of the breast, with the help of a computer.  With this guide in place, the biopsy can then be done in the precise area where the lesion is located .
How to prepare for the complementary exams to the mammography ?
As for many women, it is possible that you are worried about having to undergo more exams for the screening of a breast cancer disease.  However, the best way to fight the anxiety is to prepare for these exams and to ask for the best possible information. Here are some suggestions: Make a list of all the questions you wish to ask your doctor during your visit at his office and during the exam.  Do not hesitate to ask the same question more than once if you are not sure that you understood the answer properly.  Also, do not hesitate to write down the answers given to you. If you wish, have someone accompany you to your appointment, your spouse, a friend or your sister.  Between the two of you, you will remember more details. For these exams, do not wear a dress as you will have to remove your clothing down to the waist.  A two piece suit will be more practical. Feel free to talk about your fears and concerns. Ask how long before you get the results of your exam.  There is no sense worrying about the results after 3 days if they are not available for a couple of weeks. Do not worry too much, most complementary exams show that there is no cancer. These exams are done as an added precaution. IF YOU MUST UNDERGO MORE RADIOGRAPHIES, PREPARE THE SAME WAY YOU DID FOR THE SCREENING MAMMOGRAPHY. If your breasts are sensitive, it is preferable to avoid coffee, tea, chocolate and colas during the two weeks prior to the exam. Do not use deodorant, powder, cream or perfume on your breasts or underarms.  These products can give false images which can be mistaken for lesions. For the exam, you will have to remove jewelry, like chains, earings and all other object which could be in the way.