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Every woman should have a
mammogram at age 40, and every year thereafter. If you have a family
history of breast cancer, please check with your physician about when
you should start having mammograms.
Mammography is an x-ray procedure
that uses a very low dose of radiation to look at the inner structures
of your breasts. A mammogram can reveal cancerous growths that are too
small to be felt by you or your physician.
Ultrasonography & Doppler examination are routinely conjoining the
mammographic examination for higher efficacy.
When you
were referred by your physician for a radiological exam, you may have
been told about certain instructions to be done prior to the exam, or
when you were scheduling your appointment, the scheduler should have
informed you about the preparations that should be done prior to your
exam. If you did not or if you want a recheck, you can refer to the
information listed below.
Keep in mind that you
may have been given some additional or different instructions, based on
your own particular circumstances. If you have any questions, please
call (202) 336 3310 for the Mohandeseen branch, or (202) 417 5556 for
the Heliopolis branch.
Instructions
If your breasts are especially
tender at certain times during your menstrual cycle, try to schedule
your mammogram at a time of the month when your breasts are least
tender.
If you have had a previous mammogram or sonomammogram, 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.
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The 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. Some women
report discomfort, but it only lasts a few seconds. A firm compression
is an important part of a high quality exam.
You will then be directed to the
sonomammography room where a radiologist will perform an ultrasound
examination of both breasts. This is done by applying a thin layer of
gel over the examined breast and images of all the breast are taken.
Your axilla is also examined during the procedure for proper assessment
of the nearby lymph nodes.
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After your test, you may resume
your normal activities. Your physician will discuss the results of the
mammogram with you.
Please call our hotline 16171 or (202) 3336-3310 (Mohandeseen),
(202) 2417 5556 (Heliopolis) or (202) 2528 4888 (Maadi) to speak with a
radiologist if you have any questions. It is best to call between 10
a.m. and 10 p.m., Saturday through Thursday.
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These procedures are ordered to obtain breast
tissue due to an abnormality seen on your mammogram or ultrasound. The
tissue should be sent to a pathologist for diagnosis.
When you
were referred by your physician for a radiological exam, you may have
been told about certain instructions to be done prior to the exam, or
when you were scheduling your appointment, the scheduler should have
informed you about the preparations that should be done prior to your
exam. If you did not or if you want a recheck, you can refer to the
information listed below.
Keep in mind that you
may have been given some additional or different instructions, based on
your own particular circumstances. If you have any questions, please
call (202) 336 3310 for the Mohandeseen branch, or (202) 417 5556 for
the Heliopolis branch.
Since this is not a surgical
procedure there are no eating or drinking restrictions.
Medications can be taken prior to your test with the exception of
aspirin. If aspirin is consumed within 48 hours prior to the procedure
please inform the radiologist.
Allergies to local anaesthetics should be discussed with the
radiologist prior to the procedure so that an alternative medication may
be used.
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The procedure can take between 60
and 90 minutes depending on the complexity of the abmormality being
biopsied.
Fine needle aspiration or core biopsy is done in the Mammography
area and is performed by the mammography radiologist. It may be done
with x-ray or ultrasound guidance, depending on your abnormality. Local
anesthetic (numbing medication) will be used in the breast if you are
not allergic to it.
The biopsy needle will be inserted
into the abnormal areas several times in order to obtain enough tissue
for diagnosis. Needle core breast biopsy is relatively pain-free for the
patient. After the procedure, a bandage will be placed on the needle
site.
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You may leave the center
immediately after the procedure is finished. You may return to your work
or other activities on the day of your biopsy if those activities do not
involve heavy lifting or strenuous athletics. You may resume all normal
activities the next day.
Please call our hotline 16171 or (202) 3336-3310 (Mohandeseen),
(202) 2417 5556 (Heliopolis) or (202) 2528 4888 (Maadi) to speak with a
radiologist if you have any questions. It is best to call between 10
a.m. and 10 p.m., Saturday through Thursday.
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