What to Expect from Your First Mammogram

A mammogram is a type of examination that involves a very minimal amount of radiation to scan the breasts. This type of examination uses x-rays to take images of all aspects of the breast, ensuring that there are no warning signs that may indicate a problem, such as breast cancer. 

Women are recommended to start getting mammograms yearly once they hit age 40. This precautionary examination is one that can go a long way when it comes to catching warning signs of breast cancer. Continue reading to learn more about what is involved. 

A quick guide to getting a mammogram

Outlined below are a few important things to know about getting a mammogram. The following information highlights what one can expect, which can be helpful when preparing for this type of examination.

Step by step

First and foremost, the urgent care center or primary care office will go over any pre-existing health conditions, as well as current ones. A review of the patient's health history might be discussed to ensure that the mammogram checks for any warning signs that might not apply to the average situation. 

Next, the patient will be asked to undress from the waist up. This ensures that the images taken are unobscured and produce accurate scans. It is also recommended to avoid wearing any heavily scented lotions or perfumes, as this could alter the scans. 

After the patient is ready, a trained medical technician will come into the room and place medical plates between each breast. These plates help to keep each breast in place while the images are being taken. It has been said that a small amount of pressure is applied from the plates, but there should not be any pain. 

Once the images are all taken, which usually does not take more than 10 minutes, the patient is free to get dressed and leave. Of course, there are some situations in which images have to be retaken. 

Other things to know

When it comes to getting a mammogram, it is helpful to know that the appointment itself will not take very long. Oftentimes there is fear that it will last forever; however, it is usually no longer than a 30-minute appointment. 

It can be easy to want to skip getting a yearly mammogram, but the appointment is so quick and relatively pain-free that it is worth getting it done. A mammogram can go a long way when it comes to catching early warning signs of breast cancer. In these cases, it allows doctors to get ahead of it. 

Find out more today

Getting a mammogram on a regular basis is an important part of maintaining good health. This quick and simple examination can be done at a local urgent care or one's primary care physician. To find out more about what might be involved in this type of appointment, reach out today. Additionally, we can get you scheduled for an appointment or answer any questions. Oftentimes, there is a lot of anxiety that builds up beforehand due to a fear of the unknown.

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