A mammogram is an X-ray examination of the breasts, used to detect and diagnose breast diseases. Mammography is the most effective method of detecting cancer at an early stage before the woman or a physician can feel it.
Screening mammography is used as a preventive measure for women who have no symptoms of breast disease. A screening mammogram usually involves two views of each breast.
Diagnostic mammography involves additional views of the breast and is used when an abnormality is found during screening, or in women who have breast complaints, such as a breast mass, nipple discharge, breast pain, or skin irritation.
How is mammography done?
The breast will be flattened between the two plates of the X-ray machine for a few seconds. Usually, the female technologist takes 2 X-ray films for each breast.
After the X-rays have been taken, you will be asked to wait while the films are checked, if required, additional films be taken and an ultrasound breast examination will be done.
Preparations & instructions
On the day of your examination, do not use creams, powders, perfumes, or deodorant in the breast area or underarms.
Wear a two-piece outfit.
The study usually takes 20-25 minutes.
While the mammography itself causes no pain, you may feel some discomfort or pain during the manipulation and compression of the breast being examined.
Please leave valuable items in your vehicle or with a trusted person.
Note:
Ultrasound breast screening is also available for women under the age of 40 years (if prescribed by a consultant.
If you are pregnant, or think you might be, let your physician know, and tell the radiologist or technologist before proceeding with the examination.
If you had mammograms done earlier, please bring your previous reports and any other treatment reports so that they are available for the radiologist to compare and interpret.
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women. The chances of getting breast cancer rise with older age and in case of family history. If breast cancer is found at an early stage, there is a high rate of successful treatment. Early detection saves lives and, in many cases, also saves the woman’s breast by identifying cancer at a very early stage when it is most easily treated and is not life-threatening. The value of mammography is early detection.
Mammography is a low-dose X-ray examination of the breasts, used to detect and diagnose breast diseases. Mammography is the most effective method of detecting cancer at an early stage before the woman or a physician can feel it.
PATIENT PREPARATION & INSTRUCTION
- Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your appointment time, for exam registration.
- On the day of your examination, do not use creams, powders, perfumes, or deodorant in the breast area or underarms.
- Wear a two-piece outfit.
- On the day of your appointment, be sure to bring:
– Your doctor’s order, prescription, or referral form
– Your previous films and records
- The study usually takes 20-25 minutes.
- While the mammography itself causes no pain, however, due to manipulation and compression of the breast being examined patient may feel some discomfort or pain.
- Please leave valuable items in your vehicle or with a trusted person.
FOR EXAMINATION
- You will be asked to change into a gown.
- The breast will be flattened between the two plates of the X-ray machine for a few seconds. Usually, the radiographer takes 2 X-ray films for each breast.
- During mammography, you will be asked to wait while the films are checked, if required additional films be taken and an ultrasound breast examination will be done.
- You will have the results of your study within 24 hours.
• If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to contact our reception staff at 021-35292707.
