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What does a patient need to do to prepare for their screening mammogram?

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Topics (Tags):

Preparing For Mammogram Breast Cancer Screening Breast Cancer Mammogram Breast Imaging

Topics:

Preparing For Mammogram X Breast Cancer Screening X Breast Cancer X Mammogram X Breast Imaging X

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Diseases:

Breast Cancer

Diseases:

Breast Cancer

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Answer Summary

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Answers (3)

kwagnermd (Physician - Surgery - General (Verified) ) - 02 / 03 / 2012

I tell patients to schedule the mammo just at the end of menses or shortly thereafter so it doesn't hurt so much. Try a morning appt and do not use deodorant, lotion, or powder as it sometimes can show up as calcifications [which are really on the skin but the radiologist can't tell]. This could result in a call back and unnecessarily upset you. Bring your deodorant with you and put it on after your mammo. And lastly don't assume that "no news is good news". If you haven't gotten a letter in a couple of weeks, call the doctor who ordered the mammo to get results. Human error happens.

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StaceyVitielloMD (Physician - Radiology (Verified) ) - 02 / 07 / 2012

When you schedule your mammogram, try to avoid any times in the month when you know your breasts are bound to be more tender. No need to suffer if you don’t have to. You might also consider taking a dose of Ibuprofen or Tylenol about an hour before your appointment time. On the morning of your mammogram, do not put on deodorant, creams or powder. These things can potentially cause artifacts on the films, and result in you being called back for more pictures. In terms of your outfit on the day of your mammogram, it’s better to choose two pieces (top with pants or a skirt) rather than a dress, since you’ll be asked to undress from the waist up. Finally, if you’ve had breast imaging studies in the past at a different facility, get copies of the films and reports to either bring with you on the day of your test, or have them sent in advance. Having prior films for comparison makes the reading more accurate, and you’ll be less likely to get called back for additional pictures.

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alinak (Nurse (Verified) ) - 02 / 07 / 2012

How should you prepare?
1>If possible, you should schedule your test for the week after your period, and not before or during period, since your breasts may be tender.

2>Do not wear talcum powder,lotion or deodorant under your arms or on your breast on the day of the exam. These can appear on the mammogram as calcium spots.

3>Describe any symptoms or problems related breast to the technologist performing the exam.

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Latest Activity: 02 / 07 / 2012
Views: 216
Followed By: 3 members