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Patient Services

Patient Prep & Instruction Manual

Updated May 2006


Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Department of Radiology            3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104

Scheduled Test: MAMMOGRAPHY SCREENING

 

When:_____________ Date:_____________ Time:_____________


Where: You will report to Outpatient Radiology Reception Penn Tower Reception, Bridge level. Look for signs to Outpatient Radiology Reception area where you are to check in.
Purpose: A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast. A specialist, called a radiologist, will read the mammogram within 24 hours to see if there are any suspicious areas.

Preparation: A woman who has very tender breasts might want to take Tylenol an hour before she comes in for her mammogram. This might help alleviate some of the discomfort she could experience during the test.

If you have had previous mammograms at another institution, please bring those mammograms with you on the day of the exam so that they can be compared with the mammogram being done that day.

Please do not bring children to the mammography section. Necessary arrangements must be made

Procedure: This test takes between 20-60 minutes depending on the exact exam being performed. A mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breast taken with a special machine that uses a small amount of radiation. A specially trained technologist positions your breast between two plastic plates. For a few seconds, pressure is applied to flatten the breast and get a good, clear picture. Two pictures are usually taken of each breast. If any additional imaging is needed the technologist will explain thoroughly why this is necessary. Some women report discomfort, but it lasts a few seconds and a firm compression is an important part of a quality exam.

After Care: After your test you may resume your normal activities. Your attending Physician will discuss the results of the mammogram with you.

The Radiologist will read the films at a later time. If necessary, you may receive a call from the Nurse Coordinator or your attending Physician to be scheduled for additional testing at First Floor Silverstein

Please call a nurse coordinator at 349-5469, if you have any questions

For questions or comments regarding this web site, please email radweb@uphs.upenn.edu
Website Designed and maintained by Andrea Kaldrovics
Last Updated:12/20/06 ALK