One of the important procedures you have to undergo when detecting or diagnosing breast problems is a mammogram. But if it’s your first time hearing of this test, you might not know what to expect from the procedure. Knowing what a mammogram is, is beneficial, especially if you’re planning to undergo one soon or plan to have a check-up with your doctor regarding breast lump, pain, or nipple discharge.
What Is A Mammogram?
A mammogram is an X-ray image of your breast. This exam is used to diagnose and detect breast disease. If you have a lump, pain, or nipple discharge from your breasts, your physician might require this test.
Mammograms are crucial for breast cancer screening. This exam can help detect breast cancer before you notice signs and symptoms. If you are at risk of breast cancer or have a history of this disease, you will also need to be routinely screened.
Traditional mammograms can produce two-dimensional images of your breast. While a 3D mammogram, which is newer and more advanced, can create three-dimensional images.
There are two types of mammograms:
- Screening mammograms are typically used to produce an X-ray of the breast for women who have no signs or symptoms of breast cancer.
- Diagnostic mammograms are utilized to diagnose unusual breast changes — such as pain, lump, or discharge – and evaluate abnormalities found in a screening mammogram.
How Is A Mammogram Done?
A mammogram is done in a special X-ray machine. Your breasts will be placed on a plate before another one is firmly pressed on your breast from above. This pair of plates will hold your breast still, so a clear X-ray image can be produced. Afterward, the steps will be repeated to produce a side view image of your breast.
Your breasts must be compressed to even it out. This way, the X-rays can penetrate the breast tissue. It also prevents blurring caused by movement, so you don’t have to repeat the exam. Do your best to stand still and hold your breath during the procedure.
Most women might feel some discomfort during a mammogram because the breasts are compressed for a moment. But the discomfort you feel should only last for a short while, a few seconds at a time. You may feel some discomfort depending on your breast size, breast tenderness, and the C-ray technician’s skill. Don’t worry, as the pressure won’t be harmful.
After the exam, you might be asked to wait while the images are being checked. If the image is blurry, you might be asked to repeat the test. However, you can immediately resume your daily activities after the examination finishes.
How Should I Prepare For A Mammogram?
If you are pregnant or think that you are pregnant, make sure to inform your doctor first before going through with a mammogram. Notify your doctor and your x-ray technologist if you are breastfeeding, or if you have breast implants. It’s also best to schedule your mammogram one to two weeks after your period, as your breast might be tender during this time.
On the day of your mammogram, don’t use products that might appear as white spots on your X-ray. These include deodorant, powder, lotion, ointment, or perfume. You will be asked to remove your top before the mammogram. Make sure to remove jewelry and piercings, or leave them at home.
Is A Mammogram Safe?
A mammogram is a safe procedure. You’re receiving exposure to a tiny amount of radiation throughout the procedure, and this risk of exposure is extremely low. Modern machines only use low doses of radiation to produce X-ray images of your breasts.
If you’re worried about having regular screenings, you can ask your healthcare provider about the amount of radiation used during the exam and if there are risks related to your situation. But for most people, the benefits of having regular screenings outweigh the risks posed by this low-dose radiation.
Mammograms are also generally thought to be safe during pregnancy, but it’s still best to let your healthcare provider and X-ray technologist know if you’re pregnant or think you are pregnant. If you absolutely need a mammogram in this condition, you might be asked to take special precautions to minimize the radiation exposure.
Key Takeaway
By knowing what a mammogram is, you can prepare for your exam when you need it. It’s important to be proactive when it comes to your breast health, so you can detect traces of cancer in its early stages.
Perpetual Help Medical Center-Las Pinas’ Women’s Healthcare and Diagnostic Center provides 3D Mammography or Full-Field Digital mammography (FFDM), a high-end mammography system Mammomat Revelation, the latest state-of-the-art mammography machine. It improves diagnostic accuracy with its unique 50 degrees wide-angle tomosynthesis.
If you’re interested in taking tests for your breast health, you can contact us here at Perpetual Help Medical Center! We offer 3D mammography services, which can produce clearer and better image quality X-ray images for more accurate detection of cancer.