HealthEngine Open Appointments helps you find an available GP and book your appointment online.

Finding and booking an appointment online is quick, convenient, private, and free!

Click here to find a GP near you

Mammogram

How the Test is Performed

A mammogram is a special X-Ray of the breast tissue, taken by placing the breast between an X-Ray source and sensor, which are like two hard plates. Some women may find the test uncomfortable as the breast tissue is squeezed between these two surfaces. Each breast is imaged as a separate procedure.

Medical Conditions and Symptoms

Healthy women can have a mammogram at a breast screening clinic without a referral from a doctor. A mammogram may be requested by your doctor if you discover a lump in your breast.

Test Results Explained

Mammogram results are usually sent by the Radiologist to your General Practitioner (GP), several days after the test.
The results may show:

• A normal mammogram – most common result
• Benign breast disease – a range of conditions affecting the breast tissue, which usually do not require any treatment
• A suspicious abnormality – this will almost never be a conclusive result and further testing may be recommended, such as an ultrasound or a biopsy of the lesion to determine whether it might be a tumour – benign or malignant

Related Specialists

• General Practitioner (GP)
• Radiologist
• General Surgeon
• Plastic Surgeon
• Oncologist
• Palliative Care Physician

Related Procedures

• Tissue Biopsy

Related Tests

• Ultrasound of the Breast

Also Known As

• X-Ray of the Breast

Links

• BreastHealth – National Breast Cancer Centre
• BreastScreen Australia - Australian Government Department of Health
• BreastScreen WA
• RadiologyInfo – Mammography
• TheBreastCancerSite.com
• Wikipedia – Mammography

HealthEngine Open Appointments helps you find an available GP and book your appointment online.

Finding and booking an appointment online is quick, convenient, private, and free!

Click here to find a GP near you