Mammography
- 20 minute procedure
- Wear a two piece outfit
- No deodorant, talcum or body lotion
Everything you need to know about Mammography
How Mammography scans work
Mammography with Tomosynthesis produces a detailed 3D view of your breast tissue from different angles. Both breasts are compared in the scan.
Why am I having a Mammography?
- Your doctor has referred you
- Detects early breast cancer effectively
- Detects cancers before symptoms appear
What to expect
A 20 minute procedure performed by a female radiographer.
On arrival you will be asked to complete a form and provide your medical history. In the mammogram room, a radiographer will explain the procedure. You'll be asked to remove all your clothing from the waist up. Your breast will be placed onto a base plate on the x-ray machine and some compression will be applied. This may be uncomfortable but not painful. When you're done, the images are checked by the radiologist.
The day of the Mammography
Morning of the scan
Do not use deodorant, talcum or body lotions
Dressing prior
Wear a blouse or a T-shirt
10 mins prior
Arrive at clinic
The scan
Approximately 20 mins
Straight after
Time to go home
Request a Mammography appointment
FAQs
Why do I need a mammogram?
Early detection of breast cancer leads to a less invasive and more successful treatment.
Is a mammogram painful?
Some patients find the pressure uncomfortable or slightly painful, but a small amount of pressure is needed to give an accurate x-ray. Premenstrual women should attend about one week after their period finishes. If the compression is uncomfortable, please ask the radiographer to re-position you.
What should I expect?
Wear a two piece outfit for ease of changing, and be sure not to use deodorant, talcum powder or body lotion on the day of the x-ray. A female radiographer will ask you to remove your clothing from the waist up and to stand near the mammogram machine, where the breast is placed onto a flat surface on the machine. The breast is then slowly compressed by a paddle while the x-ray is performed. This takes only a few seconds.
How much radiation is used?
High-quality 3D machines use low dose radiation. Special care is taken by the radiographer to ensure that the lowest amount of radiation is used during the mammogram.
Meet Dr Peter Zheng
FRANZCR
Consultant Radiologist, Lumus Imaging, Brisbane
"We are constantly adopting the latest technology and ideas, expanding into regional, rural and metropolitan areas, and attracting professionals with genuine talent and enthusiasm at every level. "