Please note that for any urgent or life-threatening conditions, we always recommend that you should call 999 or go to your nearest emergency department immediately. We are usually able to provide face to face or remote appointments with our GP’s within 24 hours. Please contact 01442 331 900 to book an appointment.
Mammography is a form of imaging that uses x-rays to see through breast tissue to detect and diagnose changes within the breast.
Mammograms can detect changes within your breast, some of which you may be aware of (such as a breast lump). A mammogram may also detect changes that cannot be felt during a physical examination.
A Mammographer will take x-rays at different angles of each breast, producing a detailed image that is shared with a Consultant Radiologist. Our mammography equipment at OSD Healthcare is also capable of 3D tomosynthesis for further investigations, if this is requested by a Consultant Breast Surgeon or Consultant Radiologist.
A doctor will decide if a mammogram is appropriate for you.
Yes, a referral is needed from a Breast Consultant.
From £250
A Mammographer will call you into the mammography room to ask you some questions about your general health and to explain the procedure to you. If you have any questions, the Mammographer will be more than happy to answer them for you.
It is advisable to wear clothes that can be easily removed, as you will be asked to undress from the waist upwards.
If you have breast implants, please inform the Mammographer when you arrive for your appointment.
On the day of your appointment, do not wear deodorant, powder, lotion or perfume on your breast and underarm as this may affect the image
The procedure should last no longer than 15 minutes.
The Mammographer will ask you to remove all your clothes from the waist up. They will then ask you to stand in front of the mammogram machine where they will position you for your mammogram.
In turn, each breast will be placed onto the mammogram machine and firmly compressed (or “flattened”) by a clear plate. The compression will only last a few seconds and does not cause any harm to the breasts. Compression is needed to keep the breast still, and to get the clearest picture with the lowest amount of radiation possible.
Typically, two images will be taken of each breast but more images may be necessary if your breasts are larger than average.
We are all exposed to natural background radiation. This comes from the ground, building materials, food and even from outer space (cosmic rays).
Each medical x-ray examination gives us a small additional dose on top of this natural background radiation.
The effect of having an x-ray is a possible increase in the lifetime risk of developing cancer.
Despite these slight risks, your doctor believes it is advisable that you should have this examination to avoid missing a potential diagnosis.
Yes, a friend or family member may attend the appointment with you.
