UDIAT Diagnostic Center

I'm going to have a mammogram

Image of a mammogram with the image of a breast

What is a mammogram?

It is an x-ray that is especially used to see what a breast is like inside. It is the first technique of choice to detect breast cancer and in addition we can visualize other abnormalities in the breast.

It is performed using an x-ray apparatus called a mammogram. In our center we have two state-of-the-art digital mammograms from the Lorad commercial house.

How do I prepare?

No special preparation is needed except good body hygiene and no creams, talcum powders or deodorant. Often this kind of product has some components that can cause false images.

 

IMPORTANT: It is imperative that the day you come to be monitored, you need to have your mammograms taken before, as the radiologist needs them for a comparative study.

How is a mammogram performed?

A total of four plates are performed in the routine breast examination: right and left chest and oblique. Both the forehead and the side should take the whole breast. On side mammograms it is important to have armpits to see the axillary nodes.

What will I notice while performing a mammogram?

Mammography is not a painful test but annoying and awkward. Breast compression is essential for a good mammogram. With optimum compression we get rid of the breast tissue that is usually grouped in the breast. In this way we avoid lumps of breast tissue that hide injuries.

You will notice a pressure on the breasts in the projections of the forehead and a little stronger in the projections of the side, in the armpit. The discomfort depends a lot on the anatomy of the breast (whether it has a lot of fiber or not) and the sensitivity of the patient, because each one feels the pain differently.

What risks and complications can I have? Contraindications

The only contraindication for not performing mammography is the risk of pregnancy, unless there are important clinical reasons for performing it.

There is no risk during the procedure, but sometimes there are things to keep in mind:

 

  • Maybe the days before menstruation or when ovulation is a bit annoying. But there are no contraindications for not performing it.
  • Some patients with large breasts or dry skin may have redness or even flaking when stretching, in which case the test may still be performed, but the patient should consult with his doctor and ask remedy.
  • Patients with a pacemaker or "Port-a-cath" should be considered, as exceeding the compression could cause irreparable damage, which is why it is important to alert health workers.

What troubles do I have after the test?

You should not feel any discomfort after the test. But in the event that you get any blue, you should consult your doctor because you probably have coagulation problems and you need a solution.

Once we finish the test, what do we do?

Once the scan is done you can return to normal life as this procedure has no side effects.

The results will be sent to your destination center to the attention of the doctor who has requested the scan in about a week.
 

If I'm going to have a mammogram ...

How to make a change from an already scheduled mammogram?

To have a mammogram you need to have the time scheduled.

To cancel or make any programming change you can contact us through the following channels:

It is imperative that you follow the recommendations given before the test (preparation ...) because otherwise it will not be possible.

 

 

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