what is a mamogram? do they hurt?

Question

i've never had one... i'm only 25, but i was just wondering... details please, and yes I know it is when they look for breast cancer, but how does it work?

is the technition a male or female?

after it is all done, how long are your brests "flat" all day, or not for very long?

Answer 1

A memogram is similar to getting an X-Ray done, your topless and they have you stand in front of the machine, they place one of your breast on this plate, then they press the top part of the machine down on your breast, they sort of smash it down, then they do the other breast, then they have you stand sideways. It doesn't really hurt, it all depends on how large your breast are, there is pressure, for me it hurt a little when they did it sideways, it doesn't take long, it's quick and you really don't have to start having it done until your 40 unless there is a history of breast cancer in your family, then you'll have to start earlier.

Answer 2

Usually, they start these tests at 40, although some gynocologists will reccomend one sooner for a baseline, or if they find a lump, or if there is a family history of breast cancer. They use a machine that has 2 flat plates on an arm. They place 1 breast horizontally on the bottom plate, then bring down the top one fairly snug, step behind a door & take an x-ray. Then they come back, remove & turn the plates sideways & redo this procedure with your same breast placed vertically. Then they repeat on your other breast. Many people claim it is painful, but it depends on what time of the month it is for me - I try to schedule mine early in my cycle, when my breasts are less sensitive. It also depends on the person doing the tests - some technicians have a gentler manner than others. Too many people had me scared it was going to be horribly painful the first time I went. It was no big deal, and I am a wimp - I have zero pain tolerance. I cried when I got my ears pierced - at 18! Hope that answers the question well enough. p.s all the technicians I have had so far have been female, but I am sure there are some men who go into this field. If you are more comfortbale with one over the other, specific that to your doctor.

Answer 3

You should have a baseline mammogram around age 35 unless your OBGYN recommends one earlier because of problems. Then you will have a mammogram annually from the time you turn 40 until you pass menopause. Usually every 2 years after that.

A mammogram takes an in-depth picture of the breast tissue, looking for any abnormalities.

The breast is placed on a plate (some places now offer small breast pillows to help cushion the process) and the top of the machine is then pulled down on the breast squishing it very firmly. It's not a pleasant experience and anyone who tells you it doesn't hurt is lying through their teeth. Then they take pictures. Just when you think you can't stand it any more, they finally release your breast. Unfortunately, you have 2 breasts, so they do the same torture to the other one.

After that, you shove your tender boobs back in your bra and put on some deodorant and haul your butt to work all day!

I'm quite sure a MAN designed the mammography equipment!

Answer 4

A mammogram is test for cancerous lumps found within the breast. The machines used can vary from x-ray to ultrasound. The more high-tech the procedure is, the greater chance of detection in the cancer's early phases. Early detection provides for much higher survival rates. Speak with your doctor on how often to receive the test, but all woman, and men too, are susceptible to this cancer.

Answer 5

Basically, a machine takes breast tissue a mushes it so an x-ray can be taken to look for lumps or anything out of the ordinary. Yes, it can hurt. If you know what to expect though, it will hurt less. It hurts because of the pressure on the tissue. You shouldn't need a mammogram until your late 30's to early 40's.

Answer 6

No a mammogram does not hurt. It may be a little uncomfortable but IT is done very quickly. They need to flatten the breast a bit. It is like an x-ray of the breast.

Answer 7

They put the breast between two x-ray plates and squeeze the breast flat. And, yes, it hurts. The degree of pain depends on the technician. Some are so good I didn't mind.

Answer 8

They put your boob in a press and smash it out. It doesn't feel good but as long as your boobs aren't tender it doesn't hurt too bad. It doesn't take very long. If you have very small breasts it can be more of a pinching sensation which would probably be more painful than the usual mashing sensation. Just mash your boob between your two flat palms to get an idea of what it feels like.

Answer 9

A mammogram is an x-ray test that produces an image of the inner breast tissue on film.This technique is used to visualize normal and abnormal structures within the breasts. Mammography, therefore, can help in identifying cysts, calcifications, and tumors within the breast.

Answer 10

It is literally an x-ray of your breast. It hurts because they compress your breast between two plates to take the x-ray. The compression is rather severe, but it only lasts a few seconds.