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Test Overview


There are several types of mammograms. They include:

  • Standard mammogram. It puts images of the breast on film.
  • Digital mammogram. It puts images of the breast into an electronic file. This allows your doctor to see different views of the breast without taking more images.
  • Digital breast tomosynthesis is sometimes called 3D mammogram. It uses X-rays to create a three-dimensional image of the breast. This test may be used alone or with a digital mammogram.

Cancer is most easily treated when it's discovered in an early stage. Mammograms don't prevent breast cancer or reduce your risk of developing cancer. But from ages 40 to 70, mammograms may help reduce deaths from breast cancer.


A mammogram can seem to detect a cancer, when in fact there's no cancer there. This is called a false-positive result. It can occur at any age, but it's more likely to occur if you are age 40 to 59. About 5% to 10% of screening mammograms will require more testing. This may include another mammogram of specific breast tissue or another test, such as an ultrasound. Most of these tests will show that no cancer is present.

Why It Is Done

A mammogram is done to:

  • Look for breast cancer when there are no symptoms.
  • Find breast cancer when there are symptoms. Symptoms of breast cancer may include a lump or thickening in the breast, nipple discharge, or dimpling of the skin on one area of the breast.
  • Find an area of suspicious breast tissue to remove for an exam under a microscope (biopsy).

How To Prepare

If you've had a mammogram before at another clinic, have the results sent or bring them with you to your appointment.

On the day of the mammogram, don't use any deodorant. And don't use perfume, powders, or ointments near or on your breasts. The residue left on your skin by these substances may interfere with the X-rays.

How It Is Done



For a 3-D mammogram, you will also stand, and your breast will be positioned on a flat plate. The top plate is pressed against your breast with just enough pressure to keep the breast in position while the X-ray arm moves in an arc above the breast. Many images are taken in a very short time. A computer is used to combine these images to create a 3-dimensional picture of the breast.

How long the test takes

  • The test will take about 10 to 15 minutes. You may be in the clinic for up to an hour.
  • You may be asked to wait a few minutes while the images are checked to make sure they don't need to be redone.

How It Feels

A mammogram is often uncomfortable but rarely painful. If you have sensitive or fragile skin or a skin condition, let the technician know before you have your exam. If you have menstrual periods, the procedure is more comfortable when done within 2 weeks after your period has ended.

Having your breasts flattened is usually uncomfortable, but it helps the technician get the best images.



A mammogram may appear to detect a cancer even when there's no cancer there (false-positive results). This means you may need more tests—such as another mammogram, a breast ultrasound, or a biopsy—to make sure you don't have cancer. False-positive results can lead to emotional distress and unneeded tests and treatments.

A mammogram may miss finding breast cancer even when it is there (false-negative results). This is more likely to happen if the breast tissue is dense. False-negative results can keep you from getting treatment and can give a false sense of security.

Also, mammograms may find certain types of breast cancer that would never cause symptoms or be life-threatening. But doctors can't tell what kinds of cancer will cause problems, so all cancers are treated. This means that you could end up having tests and treatments that you don't need. These can cause harm.



Mammogram results are usually ready within 10 days. In some cases, you may be asked to come back for another test to get an extra view of an area in question.

In the United States, facilities that perform mammograms send the results directly to your doctor's office. They must send you a copy of the test results (written in plain, clear language) within 30 days.







Need more information:

A specific area needs to be looked at again. This is a very common result and doesn't mean that the area is abnormal or cancerous.

Most abnormalities found during a mammogram aren't breast cancer. But it's common to need more tests to be sure. If an area of your breast tissue appears to be a concern during a mammogram, other tests may be done.


Current as of: December 17, 2020

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Kirtly Jones MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology


