Your breast is gradually pressed against the platform by a clear plastic plate. Pressure is applied for a few seconds to spread out the breast tissue. The pressure isn't harmful, but it can cause some discomfort.
Tell your health care team if the discomfort becomes too much. Your breast must be compressed to even out its thickness and permit the X-rays to penetrate the breast tissue. The pressure also holds your breast still to decrease blurring from movement and minimizes the dose of radiation needed. During the brief X-ray exposure, you'll be asked to stand still and hold your breath.
After images are made of both your breasts, you may be asked to wait while your care team checks the quality of the images. If the views are inadequate for technical reasons, you may have to repeat part of the test. The entire procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes.
Afterward, you may dress and resume your usual activities. Mammography produces mammograms — black-and-white images of your breast tissue. Mammograms are digital images that appear on a computer screen. A doctor who specializes in interpreting imaging tests radiologist examines the images.
The radiologist looks for evidence of cancer and other conditions that may require further testing, follow-up or treatment. The results are compiled in a report and provided to your health care provider. Ask your provider when and how the results will be shared with you. Explore Mayo Clinic studies of tests and procedures to help prevent, detect, treat or manage conditions.
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See the stories of satisfied Mayo Clinic patients. Throughout the COVID pandemic, health care providers have been concerned about a growing number of patients delaying or skipping preventive screenings because they have been hesitant to see their health care provider. Experts have stressed that it's not only safe to come in for preventive screenings, but also it's important to avoid future health problems or catch them early when they are easier to treat. That's particularly true when it comes to cancer.
Find out why the Ad Council and Susan G. Komen are partnering on this important campaign to address health disparities. Mammography uses X-rays to make images of the breast called mammograms. It might be nice to go together. Start by talking to your doctor about any questions you have. If you notice a change in the time between seeing your doctor and getting your mammogram, tell the technologist before they do the mammogram.
You can usually expect the results of a screening mammogram within two weeks. You can ask your doctor or your technologist how long it will take to get results, then keep an eye out for them. Like other X-ray images, mammograms appear in shades of black, gray and white, depending on how dense the tissue is. Some people find getting mammograms uncomfortable; others less so.
While the X-ray is being taken, you may feel some pressure from the two plates, but any discomfort should only last a few seconds.
First things first: if you ever notice a change in your breast , that is the right time to talk to your doctor about getting a mammogram. How often you get screened and what screening methods are used also depends on your age, risk level and other personal factors. A good way to start figuring out what screening schedule is right for you is to talk to your doctor about your personal risk. You should also confirm that the place where you get your mammogram is FDA certified.
Standard mammograms are considered two-dimensional, or 2D. Researchers are still studying whether 3D is better than 2D at screening for breast cancer. Here are some ways 3D and 2D mammograms compare:. You will be asked to wait; usually about 5 minutes; until the X-rays are developed, in the event repeat pictures need to be taken.
In some clinics and hospitals, X-ray pictures can be viewed immediately on a computer screen digitally. The X-ray plate will feel cold when you place your breast on it. Having your breasts flattened and squeezed is usually uncomfortable. However, it is necessary to flatten out the breast tissue to obtain the best images. A radiologist will interpret your exam. The technologist who administers the test cannot interpret or discuss what they are viewing while performing the exam.
A report will be sent to your physician's office to discuss results. Mammograms are considered one of the most effective screening tools used in the early detection of breast cancer, and when caught early, breast cancer may be easier to treat.
Take your health into your own hands by making a screening mammogram part of your annual breast care routine. Select a location below to schedule your mammogram online or by phone. Complete the form below to be connected to our Nurse Navigator — a dedicated registered nurse who specializes in breast health and is available to provide education and resources.
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Everyday Well App. What Is a Screening Mammogram? The opening should be in the front. The technician will leave the room to check the X-rays. When all the images are acceptable, you can get dressed and leave the facility. A traditional 2-dimensional 2-D mammogram produces two images of each breast. One image is from the side and another is from the top. The image of overlapping tissue can be difficult for the radiologist to evaluate, making abnormalities easier to miss. The same problem can occur if your breast tissue is dense.
A 3-dimensional 3-D mammogram tomosynthesis takes multiple images of each breast, creating a 3-D image. The radiologist can scroll through the images, which makes it easier to see abnormalities even when breast tissue is dense.
Multiple images eliminate the problem of tissue overlap but increase the time it takes to have a mammogram done. A recent study suggested that 3-D mammograms were better than 2-D mammograms for women 65 and older.
The 3-D mammograms found fewer areas that resembled cancer but were actually normal than 2-D mammograms. Almost all mammograms are done digitally, so the images are stored electronically instead of on film. This means your primary care doctor often has the results back 3 to 4 days after your mammogram.
Most doctors or healthcare providers will contact you right away if an abnormality is found so that you can schedule a diagnostic mammogram or other tests to evaluate it. When your mammogram is normal, your doctor might contact you right away. In most cases, your doctor will mail you the results, which means it could take a few days to receive the results.
All in all, you should have your results within a week or two of having a mammogram, but this may vary.
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