This is an x-ray of the breast tissue. It may be done for screening purposes, or for diagnostic purposes.
What does it involve?
The patient will be asked to undress from the waist up and put on a gown. Skirts and trousers instead of dresses are more appropriate for this examination.
A routine mammogram consists of two x-rays of each breast; one taken from the top and one from the side. Compression of the breast tissue is necessary to achieve an optimum image and also reduces x-ray dose. Sometimes the patient will require extra views or an ultrasound to fully diagnose the breast tissue. Breast implants routinely require a few extra films as the implant needs to be moved away from the field of interest.
How long will it take?
This examination takes approximately 30 minutes.
Is there any preparation?
Please do not wear any spray deodorant or talcum powder the morning of your mammogram. You must have a referral from you doctor; either your GP or a specialist. Please bring any previous mammograms with you for comparison.
