Procedure takes X-ray of breasts

DEAR DOCTOR K: I just scheduled my first mammogram. What can I expect during the procedure?

DEAR READER: A mammogram is an X-ray of the breasts, to look for breast cancer. Mammograms can identify breast cancer at a very early stage when it is most easily treated and is not life-threatening. Mammograms can also help clarify whether a suspicious breast lump is cancerous or not.

Mammography is quick and generally painless. It usually takes less than 30 minutes.

On the day of your mammogram, avoid using deodorants, lotions or other products on your breasts or under your arms.

When you arrive at the X-ray facility, you will need to remove your clothing from the waist up. You will be given a hospital gown to wear during the test.

Each of your breasts is X-rayed separately. You are asked to hold your breath for a few seconds while each X-ray is taken. When you breathe, your chest moves, and that moves your breasts. Movement of the breasts blurs the X-ray picture.

For some X-ray views, your breast is compressed briefly between two plastic plates. This is somewhat uncomfortable, and many of my patients tell me these plates feel very cold. But the test should not be painful. Compressing the breast spreads out the breast tissue. It provides a clearer image of the thicker areas of your breast.

If you have breast implants, tell the X-ray technician. Breast implants affect the way your mammogram is performed and analyzed.

After your mammogram, you can get dressed and return to your normal activities. These days, the radiologists at many mammogram facilities tell you pretty quickly what the result shows. In some communities, the radiologist reports the result to your primary care doctor, who then lets you know the result.