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Preparation for mammography requires a
few simple steps from the patient and mostly requires good communication with the
technologist who will perform the mammogram and a good knowledge of your previous
mammogram history. Many locations may ask you to provide the information found in this sample pre-mammography questionnaire.
The technologist positions the patient for a medio lateral oblique (MLO) view
Preparations for Mammogram:
- To help minimize discomfort during
mammography, schedule your mammogram to take place one week after your period (when
breasts are less tender).
- If possible, bring your previous
mammogram with you, or bring a list of where and when you have had previous mammograms
with you to your appointment.
- On the day of the examination, do not
wear talcum powder, deodorant, lotion or perfume under your arms or on your breasts. These
substances can cause artifacts on your mammogram making the images harder to interpret
(aluminum flecks in some powders and deodorants can mimic microcalcifications on the x-ray
image).
- Wear a two piece outfit so that you only
have to remove your top and bra for the examination: a blouse which buttons in the front
is optimal since it can be easily removed, while pullover tops are less convenient.
- Any jewelry worn (especially earrings or
necklaces) should be easily and quickly removable, especially if you will have a procedure
which requires you to lie face down.
- Women scheduled for a biopsy may click here for more information on biopsy and preparation.
- Any breast symptoms or problems that a
woman is experiencing should be described to the technologist performing the examination.
A woman should also be prepared to discuss with the mammography technologist any pertinent
history: prior surgeries, hormone use, family or personal history of breast cancer. Prior
to mammography a woman should also discuss any new findings or problems in her breasts
with her clinician. Click here to review a sample
pre-mammography questionnaire.
What A Person Experiences, What
to Expect During Mammography
While there may be differences, most
conventional mammography procedures are basically similar:
- Patient preparation involves removing
any articles of clothing or jewelry that might interfere with the creation of the x-ray
image (see above " Preparations for Mammogram" list for more information).
- During mammography, a technologist will
position the patient and image the breast. The breast is first placed on a special
cassette and gently compressed with a paddle (often made of clear Plexiglas or other
plastic). This flattens the breast so that the maximum amount of tissue can be imaged and
examined. Breast compression may cause some discomfort, but only lasts for a brief time
during the mammography procedure (see the section "How is
mammography performed?" for more information on positioning and mammography
views).
- The technologist will step behind a
special shielded glass or may leave the room during x-ray exposure. The patient is asked
to hold their breath and remain perfectly still for a few moments while the technologist
makes the x-ray picture.
- After all of the necessary views are
taken, the technologist will ask you to get dressed and wait while the x-ray images are
reviewed.
- After the films are reviewed, the
patient will be released from the imaging department or center. In some cases, more images
will need to be taken.
- For more information, see "what happens during a medical imaging examination"?
Updated: September 12, 2007
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