Once women reach forty, it’s time to start thinking about mammograms. It can be a bit scary for those who have never had one before since it involves a lot of machines and scans. However, there’s absolutely nothing to worry about. They’ve probably heard horror stories from older women about bruising and pain, but technology has changed over the years to make mammograms a lot less painful. So to dissuade your concerns, here is what you should expect from your first mammogram.
How To Prepare For A Mammogram
There are specific steps you are required to take, even if you go to baptist hospital okc, before your first mammogram. For your appointment to go as smoothly as possible, you should schedule your appointment as early in the day as you can, as you won’t be able to wear any deodorant, powder, or lotion around the chest area. Doing so can yield inaccurate results on your mammogram that could be mistaken for a health issue.
If you haven’t started menopause, then you should schedule your mammogram at least a week after your menstrual period, since your breasts will be less tender then.
Lastly, you want to wear a two-piece outfit so that you can remove your top while still wearing your pants. The person conducting your mammogram will provide you with a gown to wear during the procedure.
What Exactly Is A Mammogram?
It is a low-dose imaging system that is used to examine breast tissue for any abnormalities or growths. It could detect lumps that are too small to be felt during a regular routine exam with your gynecologist, as well as determine whether any growths are benign or cancerous. Mammograms are one of the best ways to detect cancer early, when it is most treatable.
How Long Does A Mammogram Take?
Your entire mammogram procedure should take about thirty minutes. Each of your breasts will be compressed for at least twenty to thirty seconds. This part of the process is a bit uncomfortable, but it’s the most important part of the procedure to determine if there are any growths in your breast tissue. It provides the most clear view of the breast and reduces the amount of radiation needed to get a clear image.
You can rest easy knowing that it will only be you and the technician in the room during the procedure, so you’re afforded privacy.
How Often Do You Need To Do Mammograms?
Typically, you’ll have your mammogram done once a year, around the same time/month each year. You’re likely to schedule your next appointment after your mammogram takes place so that it’s easy to remember.
When Should You Schedule A Mammogram
Your first mammogram should typically be scheduled once you reach age 40, but there are other circumstances to take into account to get it done earlier. If you notice that you have any changes or problems in your breast, if you have a family history of breast cancer, you’ve had breast cancer before, if you’ve had surgery, or if you’re on hormone use, then you may want to speak with a doctor and have the procedure done sooner rather than later.
The Majority Of Findings Are Not Cancer
After your mammogram, it will usually take 24 to 48 hours for you or your doctor to receive the results. It’s typical for there to be suspicious findings during the first mammogram, but this is because the doctor has no previous exam results to compare the X-rays to. After your second and third mammograms, you and your doctor will start to learn what is normal for your breast tissue.
When there are any suspicious findings, they are typically not cancer. Some lumps that you might feel are most likely going to end up being cysts; some women have incredibly dense breast tissue that makes it difficult to get a clear image, so ultrasounds may also be necessary.
Still, no matter what your results are, it’s important that you get mammograms on a regular basis to ensure you’re in good health.
What Is A Diagnostic Mammogram?
A diagnostic mammogram is conducted if a woman is experiencing breast symptoms or there is something unusual in the screening mammogram. The procedure is mostly the same, though there are a few slight differences. First, there is a focus on the specific area of concern. Spot views or magnification views are taken of these areas to get a much clearer picture.
You might also have to do a 3D mammogram; the procedure is the same, except the machine moves in a small arc around the breast while it is being compressed in order to take a more 3D-based image of your breast tissue.
How You Will Receive Your Mammogram Results
Once the full report of your mammogram has been compiled, it will be sent to your healthcare provider. If you don’t hear anything from them within 10 days, you should call them or the facility where your mammogram was done. The facility itself may be able to provide you with an easy-to-understand summary of your results within 30 days; it could be sooner if there is something abnormal in their findings.
Your mammogram facility could provide you with access to your records through a patient portal, where you can see the results within a few days. These results, however, might be a bit difficult to understand if they’re written in technical medical jargon, so be sure to write down any questions you may have about your results and bring them to your next appointment with your healthcare provider.
Getting a mammogram can be a scary time for women who have never had one before. However, technology has made the process less painful over the years so there is nothing to worry about. It’s only twenty minutes out of your day, and the most painful part of the procedure only lasts a few seconds.
If you are ready to get your first mammogram, be sure to talk to your primary care physician so they can lead you in the right direction to the facilities that will cater to your specific concerns.