Preparing for Your Mammogram
If it’s your first mammogram, you could be somewhat fearful …
but there is no need to be. Explain to both your physician and the mammography
technician that you’ve never had a mammogram. Your physician will
answer any questions you have and you can count on the mammography technician
to be gentle and understanding of your concerns.
Before you schedule your mammogram you should talk to your doctor about
any new findings or problems in your breasts and inform your doctor of
any prior surgeries, hormone use, and family or personal history of breast
cancer. You should also avoid scheduling your exam during the week before
your period if your breasts usually become tender during this time. The
best time for a mammogram is the week after your period. As always, inform
your physician or the X-ray technician if there is any possibility that
you are pregnant, and ask your doctor or technician any questions you
may have regarding the procedure.
We also recommend that:
- You do not wear deodorant, talcum powder or lotion under your arms or breasts,
as those substances can appear on the mammogram as calcium spots.
- Describe any breast symptoms or problems to the technologist performing the exam.
- If you can, obtain prior mammograms and make them available to the radiologist
at the time of your exam.
- Ask when your results will be available, and check with your physician
for the results. Don’t assume the results are normal if you don’t
hear anything back.
During Your Digital Mammogram
A digital mammogram is performed almost exactly the same way a conventional
film screening mammogram is. During your procedure, a radiologist will
position your breast in the mammography unit. Your breast will be placed
on a platform and compressed with a paddle. The technologist will gradually
compress your breast. This compression is necessary in order to:
- Even out the thickness of the breast so a clear image of all of the tissue
can be taken
- Spread out the tissue so that small abnormalities can be found
- Allow the use of a lower X-ray dose since a thinner amount of breast is
being manages
- Hold the breast still in order to avoid blurring the image
- Reduce X-ray scatter to increases the clarity of the picture
The technologist will ask you to change positions between capturing images
and you must hold very still and may be asked to hold your breath while
the picture is being taken. The routine views are top-to-bottom and an
oblique side view.
You will feel a slight pressure on your breast during the exam, and for
women with sensitive breasts, this can cause discomfort. Be sure to inform
the technologist if the pain increases as the compression does, as less
compression can be used to make you more comfortable.
The exam should last about 30 minutes and your results will be sent to
your physician after the radiologist has analyzed them.
For more information on our digital mammography system or procedure, please
contact our radiology department at (740) 623-4132.