Your First Mammogram
Q: What is a mammogram?
A: Mammography is an X-ray of the breast with specialized equipment that uses a low dose of radiation to create an image on film—a mammogram—of the inside of the breast.
Q: What can I expect?
A: The mammography technologist will show you to a dressing room and ask you to undress from the waist up and put on a robe. If necessary, you will be asked to use a wet wipe to clean off any lotion, powder or underarm deodorant from the exam area; certain ingredients can affect mammogram results. When you are ready, the technologist will take you to the exam room. The standard screening exam includes two views of each breast, one from above and one from the side.
As you stand in front of the breast X-ray machine, the technologist will gently place your breast between two plastic plates. Then the two plates are slowly pressed together to flatten the breast somewhat. This spreads out the breast tissue, making it possible to see details with a minimum of radiation. You’ll be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds while the technologist takes the X-ray, and then the plates will automatically open. The process is repeated for each view.
Q: Does the mammogram hurt?
A: The pressure from the plates may be uncomfortable, but each X-ray takes only a few seconds. It helps to schedule your mammogram just after your menstrual period, when your breasts are least likely to be tender; or at the same time each year if you no longer have your period.
Q: What if this is my first mammogram at a Crozer-Keystone facility, but I have had prior mammograms somewhere else?
A: Bring your films with you to speed results of your current mammogram and avoid unnecessary call-backs. Our radiologists need to compare current and prior films to identify things that have remained the same over time and to detect subtle changes. It is best if you pick up prior films and bring them with you to your appointment. You can also give written permission to ask for the films to be mailed to us, but it may take longer to get them. If you do not have your prior films at the time of your appointment, it is best to re-schedule.
Screening and Diagnostic Mammograms
Q: What is the difference between a screening mammogram and a diagnostic mammogram?
A: A screening mammogram is for women who have no specific breast complaints and no personal breast cancer history.
A diagnostic mammogram is performed if…
- you or your doctor has detected an unusual breast change, such as a lump, pain, thickening or nipple discharge; or
- you receive a call-back if a radiologist believes additional views are necessary following your screening mammogram; or
- you have a personal history of breast cancer.
Results and Call-Backs
Q: How will I find out the results?
A: If your mammogram is normal, you will get a letter within one to two weeks from the mammography staff; your doctor also will get the written results. If there is a problem with your films, or one of our radiologists suspects an abnormality, you will get a phone call within a few days after your mammogram.
Q: What does it mean if I get a call-back?
A: A call-back does not mean you need a biopsy. You will get a call-back if…
- you have had a prior mammogram in a different health facility and have not given us your earlier films (our radiologists need to compare current and prior films to identify things that have remained the same over time and to detect subtle changes); or
- there are differences in the position of the patient or technique in prior and current mammograms that make it difficult to compare the films; or
- one of our radiologists suspects an abnormality that needs further study with additional images or, perhaps, an ultrasound study.
Q: What is an ultrasound study?
A: An ultrasound examination uses special equipment that sends high-frequency sound waves into the breast. The pattern of echoes forms an image of the inside of the breast. Painless and harmless, ultrasound can help the radiologist distinguish between a solid mass (which may indicate a possible cancer) and a harmless, fluid-filled cyst.
Biopsy
Q: What if I am told I need a biopsy—does this mean I have cancer?
A: If the results of your diagnostic mammogram or ultrasound study are not normal, the doctor may recommend that you have a biopsy. This does not mean you have cancer. Most biopsies are “benign”—not cancer. A biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of breast tissue is removed by a radiologist or surgeon and examined under a microscope by a pathologist. A pathologist is a doctor who specializes in identifying tissue changes that are characteristic of disease. A tissue sample can be obtained either by…
· Core biopsy. In this procedure, a radiologist extracts a sample of breast tissue using a needle inserted through a small nick in the skin; no stitches are needed and a local anesthetic is used.
· surgical biopsy—for some patients, surgical excision of a sample of breast tissue is more appropriate