Mammography

Dear patient, while wishing you good health, please carefully read and follow the instructions below to ensure the highest diagnostic image quality and minimize potential interference in results. Mammography is a specialized imaging procedure using low-dose X-rays to examine the internal structure of breast tissue and for the early detection of possible changes, including masses and microcalcifications (small calcium deposits).

1. Hygiene considerations and avoidance of interfering substances:

Avoid topical products: From 24 hours before your visit, strictly avoid applying any topical cosmetic, hygiene, medicinal, or herbal products, including lotions, creams (especially those containing zinc oxide or minerals), powders (talc), antiperspirants, deodorants, perfumes, and colognes on the skin of your breasts, underarms, and surrounding areas. Particles in these products can appear as artifacts (false images) on the mammogram, leading to misinterpretation and the need for repeated imaging.
Avoid jewelry: On the day of your mammography, refrain from wearing any jewelry, including necklaces, pendants, earrings, and body jewelry that might interfere with the imaging area.

2. Notification regarding special conditions:

Pregnancy and lactation: In case of pregnancy (confirmed or suspected) or if you are breastfeeding, please inform the receptionist and radiology technician before the mammography. Under these conditions, considering X-ray considerations and physiological changes in breast tissue, the imaging approach may be adjusted, or alternative methods may be considered.
History of surgery and breast implants: If you have a history of any breast surgery (including cosmetic, reconstructive, or mass removal) or if you have breast implants (silicone or saline), providing accurate information about this to the technician is mandatory. If possible, please bring documents regarding the type and location of the implants or the surgery report. With this knowledge, the technician will apply special imaging techniques to obtain optimal images.

3. Importance of previous medical records:

Provide previous images and reports: If you have had mammography, ultrasound, MRI, or other breast-related imaging procedures in the past, it is strongly recommended to bring the relevant images and reports on the day of your visit and present them to the mammography technician. Comparing current images with previous records helps the radiologist significantly in detecting minor changes and differentiating new findings from previous ones.

4. Physical and mental preparation:

Choose appropriate clothing: It is recommended to wear two-piece clothing on the day of your mammography so that only the upper body can be removed while maintaining coverage of the lower body.
Managing stress and anxiety: Having a mammogram may be accompanied by some anxiety for some women. Rest assured that our center’s experienced staff will make every effort to create a calm environment and perform the imaging process with minimal discomfort. If you have a history of anxiety or high sensitivity to pain, you can consult your doctor before the mammogram about possible strategies (such as taking over-the-counter pain relievers). Also, during the mammography, inform the technician of any unbearable discomfort.
Best time to visit: For women of reproductive age who have regular menstrual cycles, the best time for a mammogram is usually between one week after the end of menstrual bleeding and the middle of the cycle. During this period, breasts are usually less sensitive, and the probability of fluid retention in breast tissue decreases, which can improve image quality. For menopausal women or those with irregular cycles, mammography can be done at any suitable time.

5. Cooperation with the technician:

Follow instructions: During the mammogram, the technician will guide you and teach you the appropriate positioning to obtain standard images. Your precise cooperation in maintaining the correct body position and holding your breath when necessary plays an important role in image quality.

By strictly following these instructions, you will help us provide accurate, fast, and high-quality imaging services. We sincerely appreciate your cooperation.

Pardis Imaging Center