The technician will call you for your appointment. You will be given a gown and asked to remove neck jewelry and clothing from the waist up. It's a good idea to wear a two-piece outfit that day. There is a locker for your personal items that you will have the key for during your exam. After changing you will go across the hall to the mammography suite.

The mammography tech will review your personal history with you. For example if you have ever had breast surgery, is there any history of breast cancer in your family, have you noticed any changes? This will take less than 5 minutes.

For the procedure itself, you will be asked to stand in front of an X-ray machine specially designed for mammography. The technician places one of your breasts on a platform and raises or lowers the platform to match your height. The technician helps you position your head, arms and torso to allow an unobstructed view of your breast.

Your breast is gradually pressed against the platform by a clear plastic plate. Pressure is applied for a few seconds to spread out the breast tissue. The pressure isn't harmful, but you may find it uncomfortable or even painful. If you have too much discomfort, inform the technician.

Your breast must be compressed to even out its thickness and permit the X-rays to penetrate the breast tissue. The pressure also holds your breast still to decrease blurring from movement and minimizes the dose of radiation needed. During the brief X-ray exposure, you'll be asked to stand still and hold your breath.

After images are made of both your breasts you are finished. The entire process takes just 10 minutes. Afterward, you may dress and resume normal activity. We provide deodorant and wipes for your convienence.