mammogram procedure?

[Teee89]

hi i'm 19 and i've found a lump in my right breast i've been to the doctors and they have refered me for a mammogram at the hospital which is scheduelled for next friday i'm very nervous as i have a huge phobia of needles and i don't really know what to expect if someone could let me know what happens i understand the scan closes in on your breasts but what if there is a lump do they put a needle in to take a sample or cut me? open i'm so fightened my doctor didn't explain what happens at all when i went to see her.

thanks T x

[Teee89]

thank you for your comments i'll keep you updated xx

[Dr_Aparna]

Hi,
Mammography plays an important role in the early detection of breast cancer. A mammogram is a low-dose x-ray of the breast that is used to detect many breast changes too small or too deep to feel.
Screening mammography can assist in the early detection of breast cancer, even before your health care provider can see or feel changes in the breast.
Diagnostic mammography is used to evaluate a lump or other symptom noted by you or your doctor.  It is also used to further evaluate an abnormality noted on a screening mammogram.
A stereotactic breast biopsy is a non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure used to obtain tissue samples for microscopic examination. Mammographic guidance is used to find the area, which usually cannot be felt. The radiologist removes samples of breast tissue using a special needle. These tissue samples are sent to the pathologist for review.
ref:http://www.provimaging.com/mamsbb.asp
Only if you are schediled to undergo this will the question of an incision arise.You will also be asked to sign a consent form prior to this.
Your anxiety is valid but try to be relaxed and hope for the best.
Regards and God bless.

[BJSaws]

     Mammograms do not involve any needles or cutting. Before you go, do not use any deodorant, powder or anything else as this can interfere with the x-ray.  When you get there you will take off all your clothing from the waist up.  They will give you a smock or cape to cover yourself.  After waiting in a waiting area, you will be called in for the mammogram.  Once in the x-ray room, you will stand at an x-ray machine.  The technician will place your breast on a small glass ledge and another glass ledge will be brought down to flatten out the breast for the x-ray. There will be pressure and some pain, but it is just for a short while.  The technician will walk behind a protective screen and tell you to hold your breath while the x-ray is taken.  It only takes a few seconds.  The same procedure will be done with your breast being flattened from the sides.  If they are doing the other breast, the technician will do the same procedure for the other breast.
     You will be asked to go back to the waiting room.  In a while (usually 10-15 mins.), the technician will come and tell you they are finished.  Or, they will call you back for another x-ray.  Don't panic if they call you back!  This just means that they did not get a good view.  At your age, this is likely to happen.  It doesn't mean that something is wrong, it just means the technician did not get a good picture.  At this point, the radiologist has not read or interpreted your x-ray, he/she has just determined if it is a good picture.  After the second x-ray (if needed) you will be told to get dressed and you are free to leave.
     A radiologist will read your x-ray at a later time.  If there is a problem, they will call you or notify your doctor.  You would then be called back for an ultrasound or other procedure.  At my particular center, if there is no problem, you get a letter within about a week or two stating that all was fine.  
     Your first mammogram is a little scary and filled with anxiety because of the unknown.  You will get use to them over the years and take it all in stride.  Good luck with your mammogram.  I hope everything turns out fine.