Mammography

What you can expect.

Mammography enables your healthcare provider to see any abnormal areas in your breast, as the physician looks for calcifications and masses. If those are present, it doesn’t always mean that cancer is present, but it is a start in understanding how to diagnose any issues you may be having.

A screening mammogram checks for changes in the breast. When necessary, a diagnostic mammogram will include additional images that can be used to further determine whether more testing is needed.

When you go for a mammogram, it might be reassuring to know what to expect as the experience can be a bit uncomfortable for some women. The process is fairly quick:

• You will stand in front of a special x-ray machine, usually in a front-opening gown.
• The mammography technologist will place one breast on a plate.
• Another plate, located above, will firmly press down on your breast.
• The plates are designed to flatten your breast and to hold it still so an x-ray can be taken
• You will feel pressure for a brief moment.

Find A Provider

These steps are then repeated for a side view of the breast. Then all steps are repeated so the technologist can x-ray your other breast.

You will have to wait a few minutes after the test while the mammography technologist checks the x-rays to make sure they are clear and don’t need to be redone. Your Lifeline Medical Associates healthcare professional will follow up with you regarding the results of your mammogram.

Contact a Lifeline Medical Associates women’s healthcare professional near you to learn more about mammography services.