What it is: A specialized low-dose X-ray system used to examine breasts, primarily for early detection of breast cancer and to investigate breast symptoms.
How it’s done: You will stand in front of a specialized X-ray machine. The technologist will position your breast on a flat plate and gently but firmly compress it with another plate. This compression is crucial for clear images and helps reduce radiation. Two views are typically taken of each breast.
Time: 15-30 minutes for a screening mammogram; 30 minutes to 1 hour or more for a diagnostic mammogram.