Mammogram

If you have had mammograms previously at a different health care facility, please share the name of that location with us. We can help you get access to these images, which will be used for comparison purposes. This helps ensure an accurate and faster reading of your images. 

If you feel a lump in your breast or underarm or have other signs of breast cancer, contact your doctor’s office by phone or through MyChart. They will determine if a diagnostic mammogram is required and help you schedule your appointment.  

Wear a two-piece outfit with an easy-to-remove top. When you arrive, you will be asked to undress from the waist up, take off any necklaces, and put on a gown. Avoid using deodorant, powder, or lotion under your arms or on your breasts the day of your mammogram. If you forget, you technologist can provide wipes before imaging. They will ask questions to ensure your medical history is up to date.

You will stand in front of a 3D mammogram machine, and your technologist will place one breast on a platform that is raised or lowered to match your height. Your technologist will help you position your body to allow for an unobstructed view of your breast. Your breast will be slowly pressed against the platform by a clear plastic plate. Compression is applied for a few seconds to spread out the breast tissue. This allows for the best possible image with the least amount of radiation. The 3D mammogram machine will move above you from one side to the other as it collects images. You may be asked to stand still and hold your breath for a few seconds. Two images will be taken of each breast. The pressure on your breast will be released, and the same process will be repeated for your other breast.
 
Your technologist will assess the images for clarity and quality. If needed, more images will be taken. A screening mammogram takes less than 10 minutes, but plan to spend at least 30 minutes at your appointment. 

Diagnostic mammograms may include a 3D mammogram to gather additional images and one or more additional tests. Diagnostic exams take one-and-a-half hours or more, including wait time.

Once your mammogram is complete, your images are interpreted by a radiologist called a breast imaging specialist. This doctor has advanced fellowship training in the early detection of breast cancer and the identification of abnormal breast masses. Your report and images are typically sent to you (through Duke MyChart) and your primary care doctor or obstetrician-gynecologist within 24 hours of your appointment. Your doctor may contact you to discuss the results. You will be asked to acknowledge that you received this information in MyChart.

Since you will be able to access your results as soon as they are available, you may see them in MyChart before your doctor has had a chance to look at them and explain them to you. If you prefer not to see your results before your doctor, let them know. They can request a delay in sending your information to MyChart until you have the chance to talk with them.

Your images will be read by a radiologist, and the information will be immediately sent to your doctor through Duke MyChart. Your doctor will contact you to discuss the results and next steps. A quick turnaround time allows further testing or treatment to begin as soon as possible.