A mammogram is a specialized X-ray imaging method designed to examine breast tissue. This procedure plays a significant role in breast health as it can detect changes, such as small lumps or calcifications, often before they can be felt during a physical examination. Using low-dose X-rays, mammography aims to identify potential concerns early, which can be crucial for timely intervention. It serves both as a screening tool for individuals without symptoms and as a diagnostic tool when specific breast concerns are present.
Preparing for Your Mammogram
It is advisable to wear a two-piece outfit, such as a shirt with pants or a skirt, as you will need to remove clothing from the waist up and will be provided with a gown. On the day of your appointment, refrain from applying deodorants, antiperspirants, lotions, powders, or perfumes to your underarms or breasts. These products can contain metallic particles that may appear as white spots on the mammogram images, potentially mimicking calcifications or obscuring tissue, which could lead to unclear readings or the need for repeat imaging.
If you have had previous mammograms at a different facility, it is helpful to bring those images or reports with you, or arrange for them to be sent to the new facility. Comparing current images with past ones allows the radiologist to detect subtle changes in your breast tissue over time. Additionally, inform the technologist about any new breast concerns, lumps, pain, or nipple discharge you may have noticed, as this information is important for the imaging process.
During the Mammogram Procedure
Upon arrival, you will typically check in and then be directed to a changing area where you will receive a gown to wear. A mammography technologist will then guide you to the mammography machine. You will stand in front of the machine, and the technologist will carefully position one of your breasts on a flat support plate, adjusting the machine’s height as needed to achieve an unobstructed view.
Next, a clear plastic paddle will gently but firmly compress your breast against the support plate. This compression is an important part of the process, as it spreads out the breast tissue, making it thinner and allowing for a clearer view of all areas. It also helps to minimize blurring caused by movement, reduces the amount of radiation needed, and ensures that small abnormalities are less likely to be hidden by overlapping tissue. While the compression may cause a sensation of pressure or brief discomfort, it typically lasts only for a few seconds per image.
Generally, two images are taken of each breast: one from top to bottom and another from side to side. In some cases, such as with breast implants or if a suspicious area requires a more focused view, additional images might be taken. The entire mammogram appointment, from check-in to completion, usually takes about 30 minutes, though the actual imaging time is much shorter.
Understanding Your Mammogram Results
After your mammogram, the images are reviewed and interpreted by a radiologist, a medical doctor specializing in interpreting medical images. You can typically expect to receive your results within a few days to two weeks, although some facilities may provide results on the same day.
Your mammogram report will often include a Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) score, a standardized classification system. A “normal” result may be categorized as BI-RADS 1 (negative) or BI-RADS 2 (benign findings), indicating no concerning issues were found, and you should continue with routine screenings. If the result is “incomplete” (BI-RADS 0), it means additional imaging, such as a diagnostic mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI, or a comparison with previous images, is needed.
Should your mammogram reveal an “abnormal” or “suspicious” finding (BI-RADS 3, 4, or 5), additional tests or follow-up appointments will be recommended. Most abnormal mammogram findings are not cancerous, and further testing often confirms a benign condition. These follow-up tests might include more detailed mammogram views, an ultrasound, or potentially a biopsy, where a small tissue sample is taken for examination. Discussing your results and any recommended next steps with your healthcare provider is important for understanding your breast health.