The first thing you might imagine when you think of a mammography screening is a machine flattening your breasts like a pancake, and let’s face it, that does not sound fun. While everyone’s heard horror stories about mammograms, they can actually save lives. If you’re planning to get your first mammography screening, proper preparation will ensure that everything goes smoothly. Check out the following section to learn about what to expect.

Preparation

It’s important not to use any deodorants, lotions, oils, or perfumes on the day of your exam, as they can interfere with the machine. When you arrive for the exam, you’ll be given a gown and asked to undress from the waist up.

During the Exam

To begin the exam the technician will position your breasts one at a time on the imaging plates, which will apply pressure while taking the X-ray images. While the exam may be uncomfortable, it’s important to breathe and relax. The entire procedure lasts about 10 minutes.

Results

Generally, a radiologist will review the images and send a report to your doctor within 48 hours. If the results are normal, then you don’t have to do anything further. It’s important to know that it’s not uncommon to get an abnormal result. While this may indicate the possibility of cancer, it might also be benign results that could be caused by dense tissue or cysts.

Schedule Your Annual Mammography Screening Today

If you’re looking to schedule your first mammography screening, turn to Madison Radiology, P.C. for quality services. No matter the need for your exam, our compassionate team is here to help. We’re proud to provide reliable mammography screening services for residents across Guildford, Madison, Clinton, CT and the surrounding areas. Contact our office to schedule an appointment.