What is it like to get a mammogram?

Women with an average risk for breast cancer should begin receiving annual mammograms at age 40. This is because annual mammograms and monthly self-breast exams are the best ways to catch breast cancer early. And the sooner breast cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat.

Discover how a mammogram works, and what to expect during and after your appointment.

Understanding Mammograms

“Mammograms are one of the best breast cancer diagnostic tools and are one of the most common breast cancer screening methods,” shares Kara Hertzfeld, MD, a radiation oncologist with ProMedica Physicians Radiation Oncology.

A mammogram is a type of X-ray that helps detect abnormalities in the breast. Mammograms can be used as a screening or diagnostic tool.

When you go to have your annual mammogram done, this is a screening mammogram. Screening mammograms check for early signs of breast cancer that may not be causing any signs or symptoms. Talk to your primary care provider about scheduling your mammogram.

If you discover a lump in your breast or are experiencing other signs of breast cancer such as pain, nipple discharge, a change of breast shape or size, or thickening of the skin, your doctor may order a diagnostic mammogram.

What To Expect at Your Mammogram Appointment

Here’s how you can prepare for your appointment and what you can expect during your mammogram screening.

What should I do to prepare for my mammogram?

Don’t wear deodorant or any kind of lotion on or around your chest to your appointment. These hygiene items can show up as white spots on the imaging, mimicking calcifications, which can lead to unnecessary additional testing.

Come to your appointment dressed in a two-piece outfit, such as a shirt and pants. This can make the process more convenient.

What happens when I arrive to my mammogram appointment?

Radiologic technicians are the health care professionals that administer mammograms. Before your mammogram begins, the radiologic technician will have you change out of your top and bra and into a hospital gown. They will ask you questions about your family and health history and explain the mammogram process.

What happens during the mammogram?

When getting a mammogram, your breast is compressed between two flat surfaces and X-rayed. You will feel some pressure, but it shouldn’t be painful. The pressure only lasts for a few seconds at a time while the technician captures the image of the breast. If you feel pain at any time, let the technician know so they can reduce the compression on the breast. Front and side images will be taken of each breast.

The whole appointment usually only takes about 30 minutes; the breasts will be compressed for only a few minutes.

If a 3D mammogram (tomosynthesis) is used, a radiologist can examine breast tissue layer by layer from these front and side image captures.

In the past, mammograms would only produce two-dimensional images of the breast. Now, in addition to two-dimensional images, 3D mammograms collect dozens of images. These images allow radiologists to examine slices of the breast tissue.

This can result in the discovery of smaller breast cancers earlier, and it decreases the need for additional unnecessary testing. 

When will I get my mammogram results?

Typically, mammogram results will be available within a few days of the screening. If there is a concern with your results, your provider will contact you for a follow-up appointment or additional testing.

“An abnormal result does not automatically mean cancer is present, but rather that more testing is needed,” Dr. Hertzfeld shares. “Fewer than one in ten women who are called back will turn out to have a diagnosis of breast cancer.”

If the result returns as normal, it is important to continue to receive regular screenings. Mammograms are most effective when your provider can compare old mammogram images to new screening images to look for abnormalities.

Additional Testing After Mammogram

You may be called back for additional testing based on the density of your breast tissue. “When the breast tissue is denser than average, it can be more difficult to interpret the mammogram,” Dr. Hertzfeld shares.

In this case, additional tests such as Molecular Breast Imaging (MBI), breast MRI or breast ultrasound can be helpful to further examine the breast tissue to rule out any abnormalities.

If an abnormality is still persistent after additional imaging tests, this will likely be followed with a biopsy of the area to evaluate the tissue under the microscope.

Kara Hertzfeld, MD
Dr. Hertzfeld is a radiation oncologist with ProMedica Physicians Radiation Oncology. View her profile.