This is a specialised procedure to examine the breast using dedicated low dose x-ray equipment. Images of the breast are obtained from various angles and involve firm compression of the breast.
You will be required to change into a hospital gown, and any jewellery on your upper body such as necklaces should be removed. A locker will be provided for your belongings but please keep your valuables at home.
We understand that this area of the body is a very personal and sensitive matter to many patients so if you have any apprehension, please feel free to speak to the radiographer attending to you.
The whole examination will take about 30 minutes but some cases may take longer depending on the individual circumstances. Due to the nature of our work, we may not be able to keep strictly to schedule.
If you have any questions about the examination, do not hesitate to ask the Radiologist/Radiographer attending to you.
Please do not change out of your hospital gown immediately after the examination. It may be necessary to do some additional views after the initial images were processed and reviewed.
The radiologist will review the images and report the findings to your physician, who will then discuss the results with you on your next appointment.
As with all procedures utilising ionizing radiation, the radiation risks are present. However, the dose is small and the benefits of an accurate diagnosis far outweigh the risks.
X-ray imaging is not usually indicated for pregnant women.
Breast implants can also impede accurate mammography readings because both silicone and saline implants are not transparent on x-rays and can block a clear view of the tissues behind them.
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