What Is a Mammogram?

 What Is a Mammogram?

Standard mammograms are the most convenient tests doctors have to find breast cancer earlier.

A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breast. It is used by doctors to find breast cancers. Ordinary mammograms are essential to finding the signs of breast cancer early, generally, before three years it can be felt.

How to do the mammogram?

You have to stand before a special X-Ray machine The technologist will place your breast on a plastic plate. Another plate securely presses your breast from above. The plates will flatten the breast, and hold the breast till the X-ray is taken. There will be some pressure. The steps are repeated to have a side view of your breast. The other breast is also X-rayed in the same manner. Then you have to wait till the technologist checks the X-ray and ensures it does not need to redo. Note that the technologist can't tell you the results of your mammogram. Each woman's mammogram will be different as all the breasts are a little different.

How it feels to have a mammogram feel?

Most women say it's hard to have a mammogram. Some find it painful. The mammogram takes only a few moments, though the pain is oversoon. The feel depends on the skill of the technologist, the breast size, and how much needed to be pressed. Your breasts will be very sensitive if your periods are near. A doctor with special training called a radiologist will check the X-ray for the early signs of breast cancer and any problem.

Tips to get a mammogram

Don’t have your mammogram the week before your period or within the period.  Your breast will be soft and swollen then.

On mammogram day, don’t take deodorant, perfume, or any powder. These things may appear as white spots on the X-ray.

Some women like to wear a top with a skirt or pants, instead of a dress. You have to undress from the waist up when taking the mammogram.

When can I get the results of my mammogram?

It takes a few weeks to get the results although it depends on the facilities. A radiologist checks the mammogram and gives the results to you and the doctor. If there is something to consider, you can get it from the mammography facility earlier. Contact your healthcare advisor or the mammography facility if you don’t get a report of the results within 30 days.

This is an example of a normal mammogram. Each woman's mammogram appears a little different because the breasts are different.

What to do if my mammogram is normal?

Get the mammograms following the recommended time period. Mammograms function best when it is able to compare with the previous. This helps the radiologists to compare and look at the changes in the breast.

What happens if my mammogram is abnormal?

An abnormal mammogram doesn’t always say there is cancer. But better to do more mammograms,s tests or exams before the doctor tells you. And also you have to go to the breast specialist or a surgeon. It does not mean you have cancer or need any kind of surgery. The doctors are best at recognizing breast problems. Doctors will do the tests and check the breast problems.  

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