Breast imaging caregivers offer tips for breast care

Whether you’re due for a screening mammogram, or have been putting it off and are overdue, the caregivers in Winona Health’s Imaging department encourage you to schedule your appointment. “We’re committed to providing the highest quality of breast care and a great overall experience,” said Julie Pizarro, a mammography technologist at Winona Health. “We understand that mammograms can cause people to be nervous, both about how it might feel and about what the outcome may be. Almost all ‘first-timers’ feel like they’ve worried needlessly about getting their mammogram.” Pizarro also noted that many women only look for new lumps while doing a self-exam of their breast. So, she thought it might be helpful to share some of the other important symptoms to look for:

• Thickened area
• Skin dimpling
• Nipple crust
• Sunken nipple
• New fluid/discharge
• Skin sores
• Red or hot area
• Growing vein
• New shape or size
• Orange peel appearance
• Hard, fixed lump

“Winona Health offers the most advanced technology with 3D mammography,” Pizarro said. “Our equipment is also specially designed to make compression more comfortable, and exams are really pretty quick!” To schedule a screening mammogram at Winona Health, call 507.457.4320 (select option 1).