Mammography Procedure: What to Expect

Here is what happens during a typical screening mammogram:

  • You will be asked to remove your clothing from the waist up and given a gown to wear, keeping the opening in the front. You will need to remove any other clothing or jewelry that may interfere with the exam.
  • After entering the room where the mammogram takes place, you will be asked to remove one arm from the gown and stand in front of the mammography machine. The X-ray technologist will place one breast on the X-ray plate and may manually move the breast into the proper position.
  • A separate flat plate will be brought down on top of the breast to compress it against the X-ray plate. The more compression, the more accurate the picture. You may feel some discomfort or pressure, but this part of the process should only last for a few moments.
  • Once you are properly positioned, the X-ray technologist may move behind a wall to operate the computer system that takes the pictures. They can speak to and hear you from this location.
  • During your mammogram, you will be asked to hold your breath while the X-ray happens. This is only for a few seconds.
  • For 2D mammograms, the X-ray machine takes an image at the top and side, while during 3D tomosynthesis, the X-ray arm sweeps in a slight arc over the breast, taking multiple images.
  • The X-ray technologist will tell you to resume breathing and will loosen the plate holding your breast in the machine. Then, the process is repeated for the other breast.
  • When both breasts are imaged and the X-ray technologist confirms complete and clear images have been obtained, the mammogram is over: You can get dressed and go home.

The X-ray technologist cannot tell you the results of the test or describe the findings. The results must be reviewed by a radiologist.

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What happens after my mammogram?

There is typically no special care needed after a mammogram. However, your health care provider may give you additional instructions depending on your specific health condition.

If your breasts are sore, an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may relieve the discomfort.

With computer-aided detection (CAD) systems, a mammographic image is analyzed for masses, calcifications or areas of abnormal density that may indicate the presence of cancer. The images are highlighted by the CAD system for further analysis by the radiologist.

Getting Your Mammogram Results

The radiologist will send the report to your referring doctor. In about a week, you will get your results in a report sent to you through the mail or electronically through a patient portal. If something abnormal is found, the radiology office or your doctor will reach out to you soon after your exam to schedule a follow-up.

If a mammogram finds areas that appear abnormal, these will be noted in the report. Mammography cannot prove that an abnormal area is cancer, but further tests can be performed to narrow down the diagnosis, such as a repeat (diagnostic) mammogram, a breast ultrasound or a breast MRI.

If you are asked to come back for additional images, don’t be alarmed: A mammogram “callback” is a common occurrence. In the United States, approximately 5% to 15% of people who get mammograms are called back for additional imaging. You may be called back for more imaging after your first mammogram because the radiologists don’t have images to compare your current results to yet. The findings of this additional imaging are usually benign, meaning the changes are not caused by cancer.

If the radiologist suspects cancer after additional imaging is obtained, an ultrasound will likely be ordered to gather more information. If necessary, a bit of tissue from the suspicious area may be removed with a needle or surgery for a biopsy. A pathologist examines the tissue under a microscope to help determine if it is cancer, and if so, what type it might be.

Read more about understanding your mammogram results.

Are mammograms covered by insurance?

Most states now require that health insurance policies offer reimbursement for screening mammography. Medicare covers annual mammography screenings for women age 40 and older.

The Affordable Care Act makes mammograms for breast cancer screening available without a copay or deductible beginning with plan years starting after Aug. 1, 2012. However, health plans in place before the act was passed do not have to cover the charges for mammograms. Those plans are covered by various state and federal laws.

For those with low income, mammograms are covered through the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. For more information, contact your state Department of Health. Many mammography facilities also offer special programs and lower fees during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.

Who performs mammograms?

Mammograms are done by licensed, board-certified X-ray technologists. These practitioners are specially trained to capture breast images of the highest quality with the least amount of radiation exposure, while making the exam as comfortable as it can be.

X-ray technologists do not interpret the mammogram images — this part is done by a radiologist. Research shows that radiologists who specialize in breast imaging interpret mammograms with higher accuracy than those who image all body parts. You may wish to ask your facility if the radiologists specialize in breast imaging.