What is a mammogram and how is it performed?

Diseases:  
Diseases:  
Done
Emailz
1
Expert Answers

StaceyVitielloMD (Physician - Radiology (Verified) ) - 05 / 26 / 2012

A mammogram is an x-ray image of the breast. Usually two pictures of each breast are obtained for a complete mammogram of both breasts; one picture is taken from the side, and the other is taken from the top. The breast is compressed between two plates, and the patient holds her breath for a few seconds while a beam of low-dose radiation is sent through the tissue to create an image. Compression is necessary for a few reasons. First, overlapping structures in the breast need to be separated as much as possible. Second, the more compression, the less radiation dose is needed. Third, better compression results in a sharper picture, as the breast is held very still while the picture is taken. The exam usually takes no more than ten or fifteen minutes.
Join Now to ask a follow-up question or share your experience!
We'll help guide and support you through treatments.
Similar Questions
What is a breast ultrasound or sonogram and how is it performed? What is whole-breast automated ultrasound?
How can you tell if a patient is too frail for cancer treatments? What tests are performed?
How soon after a mastectomy is nipple reconstruction performed?
What are you looking for on a mammogram that may indicate cancer?
If the screening mammogram looks suspicious, what are the next steps?
Note: All content on this site is informational and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with questions regarding your health.
Note: Usernames have been made anonymous and profile images are not shown to protect the privacy of our members.
Flag Content
Please explain why you are flagging this content. Thank you.
Cancel
Thank you for flagging this content. We will look into it right away.
Ok
Give a 'Thank you' to
Cancel
Close
Talk About Health
Add Answer

Close
1) Question:
2) Background Info (optional): What context or background information is relevant to this request?
Notes:
The more clear and thorough your request, the more likely you will receive support.
Many of our members are learning from this information or english might not be their first language. Please use standard english and spell out all words. For example, use 'you' instead of 'u'.
Newsletters
Close
Subscribe to our free updates for the latest news, best answers and featured experts!
Your Email:
Q&A Workshop Announcements
(Featured experts, answers, tips, & latest news.)
Q&A Workshop Summaries
(Answer summaries from our expert Q&A workshops.)
Best of TalkAboutHealth (weekly)
(The week's best answers, news & support.)
TalkAboutHealth Benefits
(Custom health, wellness & medical promotions from our partners including clinical trials, market research opportunities, & new programs.)

Partners become a partner

© Copyright 2013 - Talk About Health - Privacy Policy | Terms of Service