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What is a Mammogram Test



 Submitted by Nic on May 16, 2011
Most medical health care providers advise women to go in for a regular mammogram medical test after a certain age (around 40), especially in case of those women who have a family history of breast cancer. However, there are several women who are not even aware of what a mammogram test is.

What is a mammogram test?

A mammography, more commonly referred to as a mammogram test, can be described as an x ray image of a woman’s breast, which is carried out with the purpose of detecting any abnormalities and tumors. There are several women who may need to undergo a mammogram test after detecting a lump on the breast. During this process, the woman’s breasts are compressed by two flat and firm surfaces. This helps spread the breast tissue out, so that the images captured by the x ray can help detect any changes or abnormalities that indicate cancer. There are two basic purposes of a mammogram test, which include screening and diagnosis.

Mammogram test preparation

It is best for a woman to schedule a test when her breasts are most likely to be tender. Hence, for those women who have not reached menopause, the best time to go in for the mammogram test is up to one week before and after the menstrual cycle. As part of the mammogram test preparation women should avoid using any perfumes, deodorant, powders, lotions or creams under the arms and close to the breasts, as metallic particles in such products could lead to confusion if they show up on the mammogram. Since there is some amount of discomfort felt due to the compression of the breasts, many women take over the counter medication around an hour before the test, to minimize any discomfort.

Mammogram test results

The images that are produced by the mammogram test are like black-and-white photographs. The medical health care provider studies these images for any evidence of cancer or even benign (non-cancerous) conditions. Some of the other findings that may show up in the mammogram test results are:

• Dense areas that may be present in one breast
• Deposits of calcium
• Lumps and masses
• Tissue distortions

Based on the finding, the patient may either need to undergo further tests or may be asked to undergo treatment.

The mammogram test cost may vary based on the medical facility that it is carried out in. However, the approximate cost of the mammogram medical test could be anywhere between $ 80 and US $ 120.
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