"Will it hurt?"
The truth is, it varies from woman to woman, and even exam to exam. Most women experience a little discomfort, typically from the compression of their breasts in the x-ray machine.

Understanding what to expect during a mammogram, why the exam is performed the way it is, and how to make your mammogram easier, will most likely ease your mind, and improve your comfort level.

"Are there different types of mammograms?"
You may have heard of several different "types" of mammograms, such as baseline, screening, and diagnostic. The differences are simple. Your baseline mammogram is simply your initial or first mammogram. Baseline images are used for comparison to later studies. Changes in your breast are often subtle, and radiologists often compare a new image to a previous image while evaluating a suspected change.

Screening mammograms are routine mammography examinations in which the patient has no symptoms. Diagnostic mammograms are studies in which the patient does have a symptom, such as a lump, tenderness, or thickening of the tissue.

"What does an 'abnormal' mammogram mean?"
If the radiologist sees something questionable on an image, a baseline mammogram film will be used to compare the images and determine whether a finding is new or significantly changed from a previous study. These details can help determine whether you need additional tests.

If additional films are needed, the technologist will take the necessary images right then. If the radiologist orders sonograms, the technologist will take you to an exam room with an ultrasound unit. The radiologist will perform the ultrasound examination.

"When will I receive the results of my mammogram?"
In most cases, an AMI technologist will deliver your mammograms to one of our radiologists right after the x-rays are taken. He or she will study your films and identify any abnormalities or "findings." When your examination is complete, the radiologist will discuss your results with you and answer any questions you might have. The radiologist will also provide a complete report of your results to your physician. On occasion, some findings need additional imaging such as additional mammogram views or ultrasound. This will be discussed with you at the time of your mammogram.

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