How to Prepare For a Mammogram

preparing for a mammogram

There are several things that women can do to prepare for a mammogram. The first is to shower the day before the exam. It’s also a good idea to remove all jewelry and deodorant. Also, women should wear an easy to remove top. The technician will provide a garment for the woman to wear. Lastly, women should wear two-piece clothing to their mammogram appointment. This way, they can remove their top and bra easily.

It is also helpful to bring a list of past mammograms. This way, if there are any changes or abnormalities, the doctor can compare the images to the ones she took before. It’s also a good idea to go to the same facility each time if possible, so the mammogram can be compared to previous tests. The x-ray technician will also need to know if you’re pregnant.

If a woman finds a lump or other abnormality on her mammogram, she should contact her doctor. Mammogram images are very important in early detection of breast cancer. Even though it’s rare, some women are still called back for additional tests. However, in most cases, the results will be normal. It’s important to note that many women have a false positive result after ten years.

Women who have a morning shower are advised to schedule their appointments early in the morning. Also, they should avoid wearing makeup and deodorant. It’s also a good idea to wear a two-piece outfit instead of wearing separate tops and bottoms. In addition, women should remove any jewelry that could potentially interfere with the imaging area. Women should also prepare by filling out their medical history forms in advance. Many offices are set up to accommodate patients who fill out their paperwork in advance.

Women with breast implants should inform the mammography facility when making an appointment. This is because implants can interfere with the accuracy of mammogram results. If a woman has implants in her breast, the mammogram technologist will need to adjust the machine to accommodate the implants, which will interfere with the images. This procedure requires special positioning of the breast and four views instead of two. Besides, pregnant women should not undergo screening mammography. Instead, they may undergo clinical breast examinations.

After getting a mammogram, women should remove any jewelry and clothing above the waist. A woman will then be provided with a wrap to protect her breasts. The technician will then position her breasts in the mammography machine, using the upper plate to compress them for a few seconds. After that, she will change positions for the next picture. During the screening mammogram, the technician will take two images of each breast. However, women with breast implants may need additional pictures.

Before your mammogram, you should avoid caffeine. Caffeine can cause your breasts to become swollen and tender. Avoid caffeine for at least an hour prior to the exam. This can cause breast tenderness and a shorter mammogram. In addition, women should avoid eating or drinking any coffee or soda within the hour before their mammogram. This will ensure that you are comfortable during the exam.