Each breast is positioned on a plate and compressed firmly for a few seconds while x-rays are taken from more than one angle - about 20 minutes total, undressed from the waist up.
The compression spreads the tissue so the radiologist can read it clearly and keeps the dose low. Results follow within days to a couple of weeks.
What to do
Common questions
What happens at a mammogram?
A mammogram is a set of x-ray pictures of the breasts, and the appointment runs about 20 minutes. You undress from the waist up and wear a gown. One breast at a time, the technologist positions it on a flat plate, and a compressor presses firmly to flatten the tissue - the compression spreads the tissue so the radiologist can see it clearly and keeps the x-ray dose low. The pressure lasts a few seconds per picture, with images taken from more than one angle per breast. Then you wait briefly while the technologist checks the images are readable, and you are done. Results go to you and your doctor, usually within days to a couple of weeks. Tips: schedule for the week after your period when breasts are least tender, skip deodorant and lotions that day (they can show on the image), and bring prior images if you are going somewhere new. Pymander, a free AI doctor available 24/7 by text, can help you understand a callback or result letter.