Taylor Daily Press: What to expect, how to prepare for a mammogram

What to expect, how to prepare for a mammogram

So you’re thinking about scheduling your first mammogram, but you’re unsure what to expect, and maybe even a little nervous. Well, don’t be alarmed. It’s a very common procedure that is important for women age 40 or older to have annually.

October 17 is National Mammography Day, so this month is a great time to schedule your exam.

“One of the most important things you can do to combat [breast] cancer is to have a mammogram,” Deborah O’Connell, M.D., a radiologist with The Austin Diagnostic Clinic (ADC), said.

Below are some common questions and answers about the procedure.

What is a mammogram?

A mammogram is basically an x-ray used to examine breast tissue with a low dose of radiation. It helps doctors find tumors and other abnormalities. With mammography, a doctor can detect breast cancer one to three years before you would be able to feel a lump in your breast.

“It’s recommended that women over 40 get a screening annually, and possibly earlier if you are at high risk for breast cancer,” O’Connell said. “Mammography, along with a monthly breast self-exam, is key in early detection of breast cancer, the second-leading cause of cancer death among women in the U.S.”

How do I prepare for a mammogram?

“Schedule a time when your breasts are least likely to be tender,” O’Connell said. “Often that can be during the week after your period. They’re most likely to be tender during the week of and the week before your period. If you’re concerned about anxiety, schedule your mammogram early in the day to avoid building up tension.

“The day of the test, it’s important not to use deodorants, antiperspirants, powders, lotions or any other products under your arms or on your breasts,” O’Connell said. “Metallic particles in deodorants or powders can show up on the mammogram. It’s best just to forgo any product at all for the day of the exam.”

What can I expect?

You’ll be asked to remove jewelry and clothing from the waist up and given a gown at the doctor’s office or radiology lab. Plan on wearing a two-piece outfit that day to make things easier. During the procedure, you’ll stand in front of the machine and the technician places one of your breasts on the film platform. She will raise or lower the platform to match your height, and helps you position your head and arms so as not to block the x-ray. Your breast is then pressed onto the platform by a plastic plate. Pressure is applied to spread out the breast tissue so that the machine gets the clearest view. You’ll be asked to stand still and hold your breath for a few seconds. Two views of each breast are taken, one from the side and the other from the top.

How long will it take?

After the images are taken of both of your breasts, the technician will ask you to wait to make sure the images are of good quality. If they aren’t, she may ask you to repeat parts of the test. The actual procedure takes about 10 minutes.

What if I have implants?

If you have breast implants, they can impede accurate mammogram readings. Make sure to tell your technician about your implants. Experienced technologists know how to carefully compress the breasts to improve the view and avoid problems with the implant, O’Connell said. Women with implants should make sure, when making an appointment for a mammogram, that the technologist is experienced in performing the exam on women with implants.

How will I get the results, and who looks at them?

A radiologist, a doctor who is trained to interpret x-rays, will analyze your results and send a report to your primary care doctor, who will then notify you of the results. Findings can include calcium deposits, masses or lumps, distorted tissues or dense areas in the breast.

“If there’s anything in your results that are areas of concern, further testing may be necessary, including an ultrasound or a biopsy. About 10 percent of mammograms lead to more testing,” O’Connell said. “Mammography isn’t fool-proof, and certain factors can create false-negative or false-positive results.”

Most abnormal findings aren’t cancer, according to O’Connell. Because a mammogram itself isn’t always enough to determine the existence of a tumor or disease, it’s a good idea to follow up on any further recommended testing.

Are there other ways to screen for breast cancer?

Mammograms are currently the most common way to screen for breast cancer, but there are other technologies in the works that may improve detection.

The American Cancer Society has added an annual MRI to its list of screening recommendations for women with high breast cancer risk.

Many facilities, including ADC, have switched to digital mammography, which allows doctors to read and store the film on a computer. Computer-aided detection is also in use at some facilities today.

How does digital mammography help improve screening?

“Digital mammography gives us a clearer picture and more options for how we analyze the data,” O’Connell said. “When we have a more accurate view, we have a better chance of detecting cancer early, when survival rates are highest.”

Digital mammography allows doctors to view the results of a screening on a computer, without having to manually deal with the film results that earlier methods produced. Digital mammography is the next generation of breast cancer detection, but the first step lies with the patient.

Visit www.adclinic.com or call (512) 901-1111. The Women’s Imaging Center at ADC can be reached at (512) 901-4030.