As part of an annual breast exam, your physician may recommend a mammogram so he or she can see whether there are any issues in their early stages and be able to address them when treatments can be more effective. These professionals are accustomed to detecting breast changes in women who display no signs or symptoms of breast tumors or cancer. In many cases, mammography screening is provided as part of your annual breast evaluation.

Two types of mammography

1. Screening mammography

   A screening mammogram may detect any concealed lumps or abnormalities in the breast tissue. Before you schedule a mammogram appointment at TOPS Comprehensive Breast Center, learn more about the screening and diagnostic mammography procedures.

2. Diagnostic mammography

   Your physician might recommend that you undergo a diagnostic mammogram procedure, which comprises additional images of the breast tissue if there are abnormalities in the screening mammogram. Diagnostic mammography may be performed because the patient is suffering breast pain and to further investigate a screening mammogram while also detecting any abnormal tissue growth, breast lumps, nipple discharge or unusual breast appearance.

How to prepare for a mammogram

Do the following to prepare for a mammogram:

• Schedule your mammogram a week after your period to optimize the results.
• Take note of any symptoms that you are experiencing and discuss them with your doctor or radiologist.
• Notify your doctor of any prior breast surgeries, medication, hormones or family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer.
• Do not wear any perfume, deodorant or talcum powder on the day of the mammogram. Particles from these products can show up on your neck, breasts and armpit region and lead to confusing results.
• Notify your doctor and technologist if you have any breast implants. Doing so before the procedure will give us enough time to properly interpret your mammogram.

What to expect during the procedure

• You will be asked to put on a gown that opens at the front.
• The technologist will ask you to stand in front of an X-ray machine and place your breast on a plastic plate. Another plastic plate will press down on your breast to slightly spread out the tissue. The technologist will proceed to take some X-rays and observe them to ensure that they are clear for evaluation.
• The findings of your mammogram will be forwarded to your physician’s office, and your physician can discuss any necessary follow up with you.

You can schedule your mammogram at TOPS Comprehensive Breast Center. We are an outpatient facility that is equipped with some of the latest diagnostic and screening technologies.

You can learn more about our 3D and 2D mammography procedures by getting in touch with our healthcare staff. You can also request a list of specialty physicians who can help you on your breast cancer journey.