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Mammography
Diagnostics Center > Mammography
How is a Mammogram Performed?
A qualified mammography technologist will place your breast between two plates. The plates will be pressed together, gently flattening your breast. By flattening the breast, the health care provider can get a clear picture while using a low dose of radiation.
You may feel some discomfort or slight pain from this pressure, but it will only last for a few seconds while the x-ray is being taken. For a routine breast screening, two pictures are taken of each breast. The entire procedure should take about 30 minutes.
Screening mammograms are used to detect changes in the breast tissue of women who have no signs or symptoms of breast abnormalities.
Diagnostic mammograms are used to evaluate suspicious changes in the breast tissue such as lumps found by a woman or a physician. Diagnostic mammograms are also the next step after having an abnormal screening mammogram.
Why are Mammograms Performed?
Mammograms are performed:As part of a regular physical exam
To evaluate any unusual changes in the breast
Mammography can help your health care provider decide if a lump, growth, or change in your breast needs further testing. The mammogram is also used to look for lumps that are too small to be felt during a physical exam.
Why Should I Get a Mammogram?
Mammography is your best defense against breast cancer because it can detect the disease in its early stages. Remember, most breast lumps are not cancer. In many cases, it is normal for breasts to have lumps or feel tender. But if cancer does occur, mammography can improve your chances of a full recovery.
How Often Should I Have a Mammogram?
The American Cancer Society recommends:First mammogram by age 40
Age 40 to 49 - every one to two years
Age 50 and over - every year
Your risk of breast cancer increases as you age, so a regular mammogram is especially important if you are over 50. If you think you need a mammogram, do not wait for your yearly physical. Contact your health care provider right away.
How Should I Prepare for a Mammogram?
If you are pregnant, or think you are pregnant, tell your health care provider.
Avoid wearing deodorant, talcum powder, or lotion under your arms or on your breasts the day of the exams. These products could cause artifacts on the mammography film.
If performed at another facility, obtain prior mammograms for the radiologist to make comparisons between the two exams.