Mammography
Overview
A mammogram is performed on women/men as a screening tool to aid in the early detection and diagnosis of breast diseases or as a diagnostic tool when women/men have symptoms such as a lump, nipple discharge or pain using a low-dose x-ray system.
Appointment Details
- An appointment is required for this test.
- Patients must bring in a signed requisition from their doctor.
- Please arrive 10 minutes early to register and allow optimal time for test. You may need to re-book if late.
What Do I Need To Prepare?
- Limit caffeine consumption 2 day prior to the test (coffee, tea, cola, chocolate, etc.)
- DO NOT USE deodorant, powder, or moisturizer the day of the study.
Procedure
What Happens During The Test?
A total of two (2) different images of each breast are taken, and on occasion extra views may be added to ensure that all regions of the breasts are fully imaged.
Your breast will be compressed with a plate using an appropriate amount of pressure to ensure that the tissue is not overlapped and that your breast is only exposed to a low amount of radiation. As soon as the image is taken the plate will release the breast automatically.
What Occurs After The Test?
From time to time it may be necessary to carry out additional special views at different angles and using different techniques or to perform an ultrasound once the Radiologist reads your examination. This does not mean that anything is wrong; it is done to ensure that your examination is complete.
It may be helpful for you to know that because of the compression, the images of your breasts are much clearer and are obtained with less radiation than would have been possible without the temporary discomfort you may experience.
It is important, therefore, for you to understand the following:
- The compression is not dangerous, and it produces no long term discomfort.
