WHAT IS MAMMOGRAPHY?

It is a specialized X-ray of the breast, which is performed in a private room using a special machine by lady technicians. The whole study usually takes only about ten minutes.

IS A CONTRAST INJECTION GIVEN LIKE IN CT SCAN?

No, it does not involve any injections.

IS THERE ANY RISK INVOLVED?

No. There is no risk involved in doing a mammography, even if it is repeatedly performed several times on the same woman. Modern mammography machines use very low radiation doses similar to a chest X-ray. The benefits of mammography far outweigh any of its so-called risks.

HOW EXACTLY IS A MAMMOGRAPHY PERFORMED?

Mammography is a simple study, which requires no preparation. It involves placing the breast on a cassette (a device which holds the x-ray film). The breast is then gently compressed in between the cassette and a plastic plate and X-ray is taken in 1-2 seconds. Usually, for each breasts two views have to be obtained. It is important to study both breasts for comparison, even if one breast is suspected to have a lump. If the breasts are tender (usually before the monthly cycle), the mammography can be done immediately after the monthly cycle.