Mammogram Dubai | 28 December 2021
A mammogram is an important step in taking care of yourself and your breasts. Whether you’re a mammogram newbie or a veteran, knowing what to expect may help the process go more smoothly.
– If you have a choice, use a facility that specializes in mammograms and does many mammograms a day.
– Try to go to the same facility every time so that your mammograms can easily be compared from year to year.
– If you’re going to a facility for the first time, bring a list of the places and dates of mammograms, biopsies, or other breast treatments you’ve had before.
– If you’ve had mammograms at another facility, try to get those records to bring with you to the new facility (or have them sent there) so the old pictures can be compared to the new ones.
– Schedule your mammogram when your breasts are not tender or swollen to help reduce discomfort and get good pictures. Try to avoid the week just before your period.
– On the day of the exam, don’t wear deodorant or antiperspirant. Some of these contain substances that can show up on the x-ray as white spots. If you’re not going home afterward, you might want to take your deodorant with you to put on after your exam.
– You might find it easier to wear a skirt or pants, so that you’ll only need to remove your top and bra for the mammogram.
– Discuss any recent changes or problems in your breasts with your health care provider before getting the mammogram.
What to expect when getting a screening mammogram
– You’ll have to undress above the waist to get a mammogram. The facility will give you a wrap to wear.
– A technologist will position your breasts for the mammogram. You and the technologist are the only ones in the room during the mammogram.
– To get a high-quality picture, your breast must be flattened. The technologist places your breast on the machine’s plate. The plastic upper plate is lowered to compress your breast for a few seconds while the technologist takes a picture. You will then need to change position before the next picture is taken.
– The whole procedure takes about 20 minutes. The actual breast compression only lasts a few seconds each time.
– You might feel some discomfort when your breasts are compressed, and for some women it can be painful. Tell the technologist if it hurts.
– Two views of each breast are taken for a screening mammogram. But for some women, such as those with breast implants or large breasts, more pictures may be needed.
Don’t be afraid of mammograms! Remember that only 2 to 4 screening mammograms in 1,000 lead to a diagnosis of breast cancer. Contact Dr. Barbara Karin Vela today to schedule an appointment.
Dr Barbara Karin Vela is an International Member of Royal College Of General Practitioners, UK
Mammogram Dubai | 28 December 2021