Before I had my first mammogram just about a month ago, I had heard horror stories about what to expect when you get a mammogram. I had talked to women with large breasts and women with small breasts, and I have to say that everyone’s story is slightly different regarding what to expect when you get a mammogram, but the process is basically the same. My mammogram experience was pleasant, so I thought it might be a good idea to share my experience and offer a few mammogram tips for first timers.
What is a mammogram?
Most women know the basics of what a mammogram is, but for those that don’t, a mammogram is a x-ray that is taken of the breast. During a mammogram, x-rays are taken from the top and bottom and from the side. The breast is flattened, by way of compression, so that any abnormalities can be detected.
What to expect when you get a mammogram
Knowing ahead of time what to expect when you get a mammogram can help reduce anxiety, and make the process much less stressful. In all honesty, I thought that getting a mammogram wasn’t a big deal at all. Here’s what to expect with a mammogram.
Arrival – You’ll arrive at the facility and fill out paperwork and be asked for your insurance card. You may or not be asked to pay a co-pay.
Undress – A technician or radiologist will come and take you back to a changing area where you will be asked to undress from the waist up. This includes you undershirt or bra. You will be given a comfortable hospital gown/robe to wear. One of things people ask about when wondering what to expect when you get a mammogram is, ‘How many people will be in the room?” Since most technicians are women, it should just be the two of you.
The mammogram room – The mammogram room is compact and will contain the mammogram machine. There is a plastic, see-through platform, which is at chest level. This platform is what holds your breast during the mammogram. There are also hand rails at the same level, which will be used to get your body into the correct position for the mammogram. As with any room where x-rays are taken, there is a glass window and a separate area where the technician will step into to take the pictures. (MAMMOGRAM TIPS – No one will be able to go into the mammogram room with you when you get there. They can, however, wait in the waiting room for you.)
The mammogram – Once you have undressed, you will then be taken to the room where the mammogram will be performed. Mammograms are done one breast at a time. The technician will touch your breast and lift it onto the x-ray platform. She will assist you in positioning your body properly so that the film comes out clearly the first time. Once the technician feels you are in the right position, the compression will begin. First, it will compress your breast from top to bottom, flattening your breast as it compresses. This is not painful, but there is a bit of pressure. The technician will go into the separate room, tell you to hold still and hold your breath, and then take the x-ray picture. The compression will immediately release. The technician will come back out, reposition the same breast and the compression will close in from side to side. She will, again, leave the room to take the x-ray picture. The same procedure will be taken for the other breast.
After the mammogram is taken – The entire mammogram takes between 15 – 20 minutes to complete, but the compression lasts for less than a few minutes. Your breasts are NOT compressed for very long at all, and as long as you remain still during the procedure, there is really very little discomfort involved. After the mammogram is taken, you may be escorted to another office (still wearing the hospital gown) where a radiologist will examine your breasts. You may be given the results of your mammogram during this meeting with the radiologist, if not they will contact you within 10 – 14 days with the results.
Mammogram tips for first timers:
I’ll admit it. On the day of my mammogram I was nervous. I am only 38 years old, which is younger than you technically ‘need’ to be to have a mammogram, but I had been experiencing some problems so my doctor sent me in. All in all, I was pleasantly surprised with the ease of getting a mammogram. I found the following mammogram tips to be helpful:
1. On the day of your mammogram, do not wear deodorant, talc, or cream. Apparently, these substances can interfere with the reading of your mammogram.
2. If possible, schedule your mammogram during a time when your breasts are not tender or swollen. This will help to reduce discomfort and allow a clear picture.
3. Before you get your mammogram, take a pain reliever, such as Tylenol, to reduce breast soreness later on.
4. This is one of the most important mammogram tips – Tell the radiologist if there is a chance you may be pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding.
5. If you have any questions or concerns about your breast health, ASK the radiologist while you are there. This includes questions regarding soreness, breast discharge, or any abnormalities you may have noticed.
4. The FDA requires that all mammogram facilities meet standards of safety and quality. All approved facilities receive an FDA certificate that should be displayed where you can see it. If you don’t see the certificate, ask about it.
5. If you are going to a mammogram facility that you have not been to before, bring a list of any breast history you may have. This may include previous mammograms, breast ultrasounds, biopsies or surgeries.
6. Once you find a mammogram facility you feel comfortable with, continue to go there with each future breast screening. This will enable the films to be compared from year to year.
7. If you don’t receive your mammogram results within 14 days, DO NOT ASSUME EVERYTHING IS OKAY. Call the mammogram facility and ask specifically for your results.
Every woman age 40 or over should get a mammogram every year. Regardless of your age, if you notice anything unusual about the shape or feel of your breast, tell your doctor about it immediately. Now that you know what to expect with a mammogram, do not hesitate to have one when the time comes. There’s really nothing to it, and it may just save your life.
** To read more from this author, CLICK HERE.
SOURCE:
Personal knowledge and experience
