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We want to ensure that you receive the highest level of healthcare. This means keeping you educated and informed about what is involved in the different stages of your diagnostic procedure. If you have any questions or concerns, please speak with your doctor or medical technician.
What is a Mammogram?
A Mammogram is an X-ray of the breasts. When a Mammogram is done, it creates a detailed image of the breast to show the size and shape of a lump or any changes in the breast.
Why is a Mammogram Performed?
Mammograms are done to diagnose or screen for diseases and conditions of the breast. There are two types of Mammograms:
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1
Screening: These are routine scans to detect breast cancer when there are no apparent symptoms.
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2
Diagnostic: Your doctor may order a diagnostic Mammogram after finding a lump; if you have breast pain, nipple discharge, or changes in breast shape or texture; if you have other signs and symptoms of a breast condition; or if you have dense breast tissue. Your doctor may also suggest a three-dimensional (3D) Mammogram which takes multiple X-rays from different angles and reconstructs them into a 3D view of the breast to give a better look for diagnosis of a condition.
What are the Risks of a Mammogram?
Our Health City Radiology Team follows strict standards for X-ray techniques and will use the lowest amount of radiation possible to produce the best Mammogram images. Your doctor will generally not order an X-ray if you are pregnant due to the danger of radiation to an unborn child. It is very important to tell your doctor if there is any chance of pregnancy.
Who will be involved in the Mammogram?
Your Mammogram will include the following team members.
- Team Members Involved:
Your Mammogram will include a Radiology Technologist who performs the Mammogram and a Radiologist who reviews and reports on it. - Step 1:
A member of the radiology team will escort you to the diagnostic wing. - Step 2:
If you are pregnant or a female under 50 years of age, you will be asked to read and sign a consent form. - Step 3:
You will be instructed to change into a patient gown. You may keep your trousers/skirt/shorts on if there is no metal on the waistband or elsewhere on the garment. You will be asked to remove any items that may contain metal.- All jewelry (chest area)
- Eyeglasses
- Underwire bras
- Step 4:
A member of the radiology team will escort you to the Mammogram Room, where you will stand during the procedure. The radiology technologist will position one breast at a time on an X-ray plate. The Mammogram machine at Health City is 2D and 3D, which involves breast compression to obtain clear images. The technologist will stand behind a protective screen and take images from different angles. You may be asked to hold your breath during each image. This process will be repeated for the other breast. - Step 5:
Once the exam is complete, you may get dressed. You may be asked to wait briefly while the technologist or radiologist verifies that the imaging is complete. - Step 6:
The radiology technologist will inform you once verification is complete, and you may leave the department/hospital. Your Mammogram report will be sent to the ordering physician within 48 hours. Please ensure you have your follow-up appointment booked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Breasts are often more tender during the week before or during your period. This can make the Mammogram more uncomfortable. Your doctor will probably recommend that you schedule your Mammogram after your period, which is also the best time of your menstrual cycle to get the most accurate results. Your comfort and relaxation are important to our Health City team. You may feel pressure when the breast is compressed in the Mammogram machine, but you should not feel pain. Take a few long, deep breaths to help yourself relax. Please inform the radiology technologist if you do feel any pain.
Your entire Mammogram appointment is usually 30-45 minutes. The time spent doing the actual imaging procedure will depend on the type of Mammogram you are having.
Yes, you may do a Mammogram with breast implants.
Mammogram guidelines vary based on age. Women aged 40 to 44 should have the choice to start annual breast cancer screening with Mammograms if they wish to do so. Women aged 45 to 54 should get Mammograms every year. Women aged 55 and older should switch to Mammograms every two years or can continue yearly screening. Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and is expected to live 10 more years or longer. - Women with a higher-than-average risk should have a physical exam and Mammogram/MRI every six months.
