Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Introduction
You have been referred for a test called tomosynthesis mammography. This is a special Mammogram (X-ray of the breast tissue) where multiple images of the breast are captured and reconstructed into a three-dimensional image.
Before your appointment
Please let us know by calling our bookings team (contact details are displayed on the main Radiology page) prior to your appointment if:
- If you are pregnant or have breast-fed within the last 3 months
- If you have breast implants
- If you have an allergy to iodine or previous injections of X-ray contrast dye
- If you have severely impaired kidney function
- If you have limited mobility and / or require a hoist
On Arrival
Please arrive 10 minutes before your appointment time.
On arrival in the department, you should check in at the reception desk. Bring this letter with you and be prepared to confirm your details with the receptionist. Please allow time to do this prior to your appointment time and bear in mind that the reception may be busy. Once you have been booked in you will be directed to the waiting area. Please be aware that patients are attending for different examinations and patients who arrive after you may be called before you.
All patients (aged 12-55) who will undergo a Radiology procedure will be asked about the possibility of them being pregnant, regardless of gender.
What to wear
It is helpful to wear a separate top, and skirt or trousers.
Giving my consent (permission)
We want to involve you in decisions about your care and treatment. The mammographer (radiographer specialising in breast imaging) will ask you if you are happy for the procedure to go ahead - this is called verbal consent. If you do not wish to have the scan or are undecided, please tell the mammographer. It is your decision, and you can change your mind at any time.
The Procedure
You will be required to undress down to the waist for this procedure in the X-ray room.
The Mammographer will ask you a few questions and then position you for the procedure.
The breast is positioned on an X-ray detector and held firmly in place by a Perspex plate. The X-ray arm sweeps in a slight arc over the breast, acquiring multiple images of the breast during a short scan.
This procedure lasts just a few seconds longer than a conventional 2D Mammogram.
These images are displayed as a series of thin slices that can be viewed by the Radiologists as individual images, or in a dynamic interactive animation. At least two views are taken of each breast.
The procedure itself should take no more than 15 minutes.
After the Examination
You will be free to resume your daily activities.
Risks
- Discomfort: You may experience some discomfort during the procedure. You may have some red marks on your breasts after the mammogram, but these should fade quickly.
- Radiation: A mammogram uses ionising X-ray radiation. Everyone receives ionising radiation every day from radioactivity in the air, food we eat and the sun. Your age, size and the body part being scanned will influence the amount of medical radiation used and theoretical risks of additional exposure. The benefit of the scan is making the correct diagnosis or treatment plan and a radiology specialist has agreed that this benefit outweighs the risks of radiation exposure. The radiographers are trained to obtain the best possible imaging using the lowest amount of radiation possible and the equipment is regularly checked to ensure it is safe and effective.
The Results
The results of your test will be made available to the requesting doctor and will usually take about 10 working days. You will receive an outpatient appointment to obtain the results.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Radiology service.
About this information
Service:
Radiology
Reference:
PILS-MAMM.9
Approval date:
26 July 2024
Review date:
26 July 2027
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.