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 MammographyHow the Test is Performed:You will be asked to undress from the waist up and will be given a gown to wear. Depending on the type of equipment used, you will sit or stand. One breast at a time is rested on a flat surface that contains the X-ray plate, and a device called a compressor will be pressed firmly against the breast to help flatten out the breast tissue. The X-ray pictures are taken from several angles. You may be asked to hold your breath while the picture is taken. How to Prepare: Deodorant, perfume, powders and ointments under the arms or on the breasts may cause the pictures to be obscured and should not be worn the day of the X-ray . Remove all jewelry from the neck. Notify your health care provider (and/or the radiologist) if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. How it Feels: When the breast is compressed, there may be some discomfort. Risks: The level of radiation is low and any risk from the mammography is exceedingly low. If you are pregnant and need to have an abnormality checked, the abdominal area will be shielded by a lead apron. Why this Test is Performed: The test is performed if a woman has symptoms of a breast disease such as a lump, nipple discharge , breast pain , dimpling of the skin on the breast, or a new retraction of the nipple. Women without symptoms should have screening mammograms for early cancer detection. The American Cancer Society recommends a screening mammogram around age 40, yearly or every 2 years between the ages of 40 to 49, and every year after 50. Normal Values: Breast tissue that shows no masses (aggregations of cells) or calcification is normal. Abnormal Results: A well-outlined, regular, clear spot may suggest a benign cyst (non-cancerous). A poorly outlined, opaque area may suggest a cancer . Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:
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