A mammogram is a specialized medical imaging test that helps in determining breast cancer early. Early screening along with regular screening is the key.
How to prepare for your mammogram procedure-
- One needs to undress above the waist to get a mammogram done. The diagnosis or the facility in charge will give you a wrap to wear.
- A technologist will position your breasts for the mammogram test. There will be no one else except you and a technologist while the rest is being performed. Feel comfortable.
- The mammogram can take around 20 minutes.
- To produce a high-quality picture, the breast is supposed to be flattened. To do this the technologist places the breast on a machine plate. The plastic plate is usually lowered, and your breast is compressed for a few seconds while the technologist produces some pictures.
- Some discomfort is expected when breasts are compressed and for some women, this can be painful. Let the technologist know then and there if it hurts.
- Usually, two pictures of each breast are taken but women with breast implants or large implants may need more pictures.
What can you expect from a diagnostic mammogram –
- If a woman has some breast symptoms of a change in screening mammogram, a diagnostic mammogram is often done.
- During a diagnostic mammogram, more pictures are produced with the focus on the area/breast that looks different on the screening mammogram.
- Special images known as spot views or magnificent views are used.
- The images are checked by a radiologist during a diagnostic mammogram to know if there is a need for more pictures to look more closely at any area of concern.
How is the procedure performed ?
A mammogram for women is performed by a specially qualified radiologist/ technologist. He/She will position your breast in the mammography unit.
Why breast compression is necessary-
- To even out the thickness so that all the tissue can be visualized.
- To spread out the tissue so that small abnormalities present will be less likely hidden.
- For reducing the x-ray scatter to increase the sharpness of the picture produced.
- In order to hold the breast so that it minimizes the blurring of the images caused by motion.
How does the procedure work?
If you know, X-rays are a form of radiation just like light or radio waves. X-rays without any hassle pass through objects in the human body. Different parts of the human body absorb x-rays in varying degrees. The dense bones don’t absorb much radiation and that is the reason why bones appear white on the x-ray. You will notice that most of the x-ray images are electronically stored and digital files nowadays.
If you are wondering how to receive the results after a mammogram test. A radiologist or a doctor trained will supervise as well as interpret the radiology examination and analyze the images that are produced. The radiologist usually sends a signed report.
