What to expect during your mammogram appointment

If you’re thinking about scheduling a mammogram at Gold Coast, it’s important to understand what to expect during your appointment. Before the scan begins, the technologist will explain the process and ask you to remove any clothing or outerwear that may be in the way of the imaging machine. The technologist will then position your breast within two plates, which hold your breast in place for better image quality. After each scan is completed, Gold Coast Mammogram highly trained staff will review all images before you leave. Understanding what happens during a mammogram appointment can help make sure your experience is as stress-free as possible. 

What are the different types of mammograms?

Mammograms are an important tool used to detect breast cancer in its early stages. There are several different types of mammograms available, depending on the individual’s needs. A Gold Coast mammogram is a type of digital image which produces higher-resolution images than traditional film-based methods. Gold Coast mammograms can also help to pick up suspicious calcifications in the breast tissue that may be precursors to breast cancer. Another type of mammogram is known as 3D tomosynthesis, a process that takes multiple X-ray pictures from different angles and combines them into a 3D image. This helps doctors identify areas of interest for further review without having to produce more X-rays each time. Finally, contrast-enhanced spectroscopic imaging (CES) makes use of radioactive tracers which can help highlight certain features during a mammogram and provide additional information about potential tumors which may be otherwise inaccessible with plain X-rays.

How To Prepare for Your Mammogram Appointment

Knowing how to prepare for a Gold Coast mammogram appointment can make the experience less stressful and more effective. 

• First, book your appointment well in advance, so that you don’t experience any unnecessary delays. 
• Next, make sure to fast on the day of your exam; avoid eating or drinking anything at least one hour before your scheduled time. 
• Additionally, wear comfortable clothing that is easy to take off and can go above the shoulders. 
• Do not wear deodorant or lotion on the day of your examination as these products can interfere with your results. 
• Also bring your health insurance card and any other identifying information so that it will be easier to process payment and records. 
• Lastly, talk through what to expect with a medical professional before going into the appointment if you have any concerns or questions, make sure understand what’s going to happen during the test. Following these steps can help ensure an accurate reading and a smoother Gold Coast mammogram appointment overall.

What To Do If You Receive a Mammogram Result

Receiving a mammogram result can be a worrying and confusing time, but knowing what to do can help to ensure you get the best treatment for your condition. If you have undergone a Gold Coast mammogram and received a result that indicates you may have possibly breast cancer, it’s essential to arrange an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. You do not need to suffer alone; if Gold Coast mammogram results are concerning it’s essential to seek help from medical experts. Remember that early detection is key; if cancer is caught early enough there can be some treatment options available that could save your life.

Breast Self-Examination Tips

Performing a breast self-examination is an important part of maintaining good health, especially for women who are at higher risk of developing breast cancer. The key to detecting any changes or irregularities in your breasts is to have consistent self-examinations. 

• Gold Coast Mammograms recommends that you begin by standing in front of a mirror with your hands by your sides. 
• Look into the mirror carefully and observe how your breasts move when raising your arms above your head. 
• Next, use the pads of your fingers to examine the entire surface area of both breasts, starting from the collarbone towards the cleavage and underarm area. 
• Press gently using firm, circular motions until you have covered both breasts. Be sure to feel all around each breast, as well as up underneath each armpit. 
• Finally, test each nipple for discharge—this should not occur outside of normal lactation episodes. 

If you find any changes or irregularities in your breasts during this examination, get in touch with a Gold Coast mammogram expert immediately for further testing and advice. 

Remember: self-examination does not replace regular medical checkups and mammography screenings. Take charge of your breast health today by learning how to properly perform a breast self-examination.

Mammograms are an important part of breast cancer detection and prevention. We wish you all the best in your journey toward health and wellness.