Preparing for a Mammogram:
- Scheduling: If you experience hormonal or caffeine-related breast pain, schedule your screening mammogram approximately 7-10 days after beginning your menstrual cycle (at lowest hormonal levels and associated breast tenderness/lumpiness) and limit your caffeine intake the week before the mammogram. Diagnostic mammograms should be scheduled as soon as possible for new findings on exam or symptoms.
- Be sure to either bring prior outside mammograms (breast ultrasounds, MRIs, breast biopsies) with you to the appointment (on CD) or sign an electronic consent with Boutique Breast Imaging in advance so we can ask to have your prior images sent to us electronically before the exam. This is VERY IMPORTANT for you to have us be able to compare the current exam with prior images, if possible.
- Wear a two-piece outfit and comfortable shoes. You will undress from the waist up and change into a robe. Limit any jewelry (no necklaces or long earrings) or leave jewelry at home to avoid the risk of losing it.
- Avoid use of deodorant and body lotions (which produce artifacts on the images) the day of your mammogram. (Wipe off armpit area well before coming in for your mammogram).
- It is not necessary to avoid food or drink before your mammogram, so eat or drink as you normally would the day of your appointment. If you are prone to fainting, be sure to eat a full meal before your exam and stay hydrated. Take your normal daily medications.
- If you are worried about experiencing pain during your mammogram, or if you have experienced pain during a previous mammogram, talk to your doctor about taking an over-the-counter pain medication about 1 hour before your mammogram (on a full stomach).
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Share important information with your mammogram technician. It is important that you communicate the following information to your mammogram technician before the screening begins:
Any breast changes or problems you are experiencing
If you have breast implants
If you have trouble standing or holding still (without a cane or walker)
If you are breastfeeding
If you are or think you might be pregnant - Try to relax! This important screening will take only a few minutes. Most screening exams are NORMAL, and if not, abnormal diagnoses are usually entirely curable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Boutique Breast Imaging is a dedicated, personalized breast imaging service led by compassionate and collaborative breast experts who are experienced and breast fellowship-trained. Our focus is on providing the highest quality breast care experience, ensuring the highest diagnostic accuracy with the least anxiety and discomfort. At Boutique Breast Imaging, we offer the most comprehensive and caring evaluation and consultation.
What is the difference between a Screening Mammogram and a Diagnostic Mammogram?
A Screening Mammogram is a routine or annual mammogram for patients with no current or new breast symptoms or changes. A Diagnostic Mammogram is ordered by your physician because he or she is aware of your breast symptoms or changes. You should qualify for a screening mammogram if you do not have any breast problems or prior surgery for cancer.
What is Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT) or 3D Mammography?
Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT) is a new digital mammography technology commonly referred to as a 3D mammogram. DBT imaging takes picture of the breast in very thin slices which eliminates tissue overlap. These thin slices allow the radiologist to view a clearer image of the inner breast tissue, an important benefit for dense breast tissue. Boutique Breast Imaging utilizes a combination of 2D (better for evaluation of calcifications) and 3D mammography (better to see through tissue) for the most accurate examination available.
What if I notice a change in my breast(s) when I perform my monthly breast self-exam?
If you feel or see something unusual such as thickening, nipple discharge (without squeezing), pain or a lump, call your doctor immediately and they will determine your next course of care. If you have any of the above, you do not qualify for an annual, routine screening mammogram. Please contact your physician to obtain an order for your Diagnostic Mammogram with possible Ultrasound.
What if my mammogram has a positive finding, and I’m asked to come back for additional imaging?
Your results will be sent to you and your physician. Additional images and possible ultrasound will be needed, and we will schedule this follow up examination as soon as possible to reduce the anxiety-provoking wait. The breast radiologist will discuss the results with you at the time of the examination. Oftentimes, nothing further needs to be done. If a cancer is detected at screening mammogram, it is usually curable.
What if I am concerned about the radiation of mammography?
We are exposed to natural sources of radiation all the time. According to recent estimates, the average person in the U.S. receives an effective dose of about 3 mSv (millisievert) per year from natural radiation, which includes cosmic radiation from outer space. These natural “background doses” vary according to where you live.
People living at high altitudes such as Colorado or New Mexico receive about 1.5 mSv more per year than those living near sea level. A coast-to-coast round-trip airline flight is about 0.03 mSv due to exposure to cosmic rays. The largest source of background radiation comes from radon gas in our homes (about 2 mSv per year). Like other sources of background radiation, the amount of radon exposure varies widely depending on where you live.
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