Why Have a Mammogram?

Mammograms are used to detect early signs of breast cancer mainly in women. Mammograms can detect changes in breast tissue up to 2 years before a lump can be detected. Reasons why your doctor might refer you for a mammogram include:

• Lumps in the breast tissue
• Tenderness
• Discharge from the nipple
• Family history of cancer
• ...and many more

What happens during the examination?

In most cases you will be required to remove any clothing from the waist up. A specially qualified Radiologist will place your breast on a platform and compress it with a paddle to flatten out the breast tissue so that small abnormalities can be detected. You may be asked to hold still for several seconds whilst the pictures are being taken to avoid blurring the images.

Once the radiologist is satisfied that accurate images of both breasts have been obtained your mammogram is over.

In almost all cases there will then be a follow up ultrasound that will supplement your mammogram examination. This is done to focus on areas that may be of concern, or simply because some small tissue abnormalities are more visible under an ultrasound examination.

The images are reviewed and interpreted by a radiologist and are printed for you to take with you to your next doctor's appointment.

Is the examination painful or uncomfortable?

Whilst the breast is being compressed you may feel some discomfort. If this gets too much you should tell the sonographer so they can reduce the pressure applied. To reduce this discomfort further you should book your mammogram when your breasts are feeling at their least sensitive.

What does it show?

Mammograms show up the relative densities of breast tissues. Any abnormalities within breast tissue such as small lumps and cysts may be detected through a mammogram before they are large enough to be seen or felt during a clinical examination. As a result, mammograms are used as an extremely effective method of detecting breast cancer in its earliest stage. In most cases lumps that are found in mammograms turn out to be benign after further examination.

Do I need to do any preparation for a Mammogram?

Yes.

• On the day of your appointment you should avoid wearing deodorant or Talcum powder as the particles can distort the images taken.
• Arrange your mammogram for the time of the month when your breasts are at their least sensitive. This will reduce the discomfort you feel during the compression stage of the examination.
• In almost all cases there is an ultrasound booked in to follow up the mammogram procedure. Therefore you should leave an hour for this appointment.

Where can I have this examination and how much does it cost?

You can have a Mammogram at the X-RAY & IMAGING practices listed below.

Caloundra (07) 5438 2011

To receive a bulk billed Mammogram you must bring your Medicare or DVA card and a referral from your doctor stating the clinical reason for the exam. This is because Medicare will not allow bulk billing for routine Mammograms. These must be done at your local Breast Screening Centre.

Do I have to book an appointment for a mammogram?

Yes. Appointments are often booked up for several days in advance, therefore you should arrange your appointment as soon as possible to ensure that you have it when your breasts are at their least sensitive.

What are the benefits of having a Mammogram examination at X-RAY & IMAGING?

CONVENIENCE:
Many mammograms show there to be irregularity in breast tissue density from one breast compared to the other. When this is the case, follow up examinations, usually ultrasounds are required. These are not available to you on the same day at a Breast Screening Centre as the reports are not usually available straight away. At X-RAY & IMAGING you can have this procedure performed routinely after your mammogram so you only need to make one trip. Your films and reports are available straight away so that you can discuss any findings with your doctor.

REDUCED RADIATION EXPOSURE:
X-RAY & IMAING are equipped with the latest technical imaging equipment. Our mammography machine is able to take accurate images at only 50% of the normal exposure dose. This reduces the risks associated with over exposure by half.