Mammography

Mammography is an X-ray examination of the breast. The amount of X-rays delivered during a mammography is very low, and therefore harmless, even if the screening is repeated (every two years for women over 50 years old with no previous history).   

This examination allows the detection of possible abnormalities that may be precursors of breast cancer.

Mammography lasts about 10 to 15 minutes.

It is preferable to perform the mammography during the first 10 days of the menstrual cycle for three reasons: the breasts are less tender and can be better analyzed, the compression of the breasts during the examination is better tolerated, and there is no risk of being pregnant.

If you are no longer menstruating (surgery of the womb, menopause) or if the situation is urgent, there is no problem, you can come whenever you want. You are also asked to avoid applying cosmetics to your skin on the day of the examination. Aspirin and anticoagulants such as Sintrom® must be stopped 1 week before the procedure.

Patients are greeted in the mammography department by specialized senology technicians who perform the mammography. This examination requires a rigorous technique and high-performance equipment that is regularly checked.

After the mammography, an interview and a clinical examination are carried out by an experienced breast radiologist. Most often, an ultrasound completes the mammography. It allows detecting lesions that were not seen on mammography in dense breasts. It is performed by the radiologist using a latest generation ultrasound machine.

Each breast is successively compressed between two plates (insufficient compression can prevent the detection of an abnormality). The sensation of compression of the breast is not very pleasant for some women, but it only lasts a few seconds.

Due to the emission of x-rays, pregnant women must indicate their condition when making the appointment.