About Your Exam

What is a mammogram?
Mammography is a type of x-ray used to examine the breast. The film produced by the equipment is reviewed by a Radiologist who will dictate a report that will be sent to your referring physician. Your physician will discuss the results with you.

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women. One out of eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer in her lifetime.

Breast cancer cannot be prevented, but it can be detected at an early, treatable stage. A combination of monthly breast self exam, mammograms, and physician exams can help to detect breast cancer. Mammography can detect tumors up to five years before they can be felt by hand.

Preparing for the exam
For your comfort, schedule your mammogram during your monthly cycle when your breasts are the least tender. Take aspirin or pain reliever the day before and the day of your mammogram. Do not wear deodorant or lotion under your arms or in the chest area. This will interfere with the pictures being taken. You can apply your deodorant after the procedure is completed.

You may eat and drink as normal and take your medications as prescribed.

Each patient will see a video on breast self-examination and will be provided with information to take home.

During the exam
You will undress from the waist up and put on an examination gown. A technologist with special training in mammography will position your breasts between two plastic plates and will compress them. You may feel tightness or discomfort during the compression, but this only lasts a few seconds.

The compression is important because it flattens out the breast which helps the doctor to see abnormal areas while using the lowest radiation exposure possible.

Previous mammograms
If you have ever had a mammogram at another facility, please call that facility and arrange to pick up the film or have it sent to you and bring the film with you to your appointment. Your previous mammography film will be compared with your current film to look for changes. If you bring your film with you, it will prevent any delays in completing you mammogram report.