Mammograms: Five Important Things You Should Know

By Jan Bone,
Diagnotic Imaging

1. Bring your most recent mammogram or report for a more accurate reading.

2. Come prepared: no powder or deodorant, which could show up as a suspicious area on the mammogram.

3. You should expect some discomfort due to the breast compression. Compression is necessary for sharper images and less radiation exposure.

4. Reports are not usually given the same day. A report is mailed directly to the patient as soon as the mammogram is read.

5. The report you receive in the mail may ask you to return for additional images. This allows the radiologist the give you an accurate report.