Mammogram /ultra sound

[Beccawoo]

Hello, just wondering if anyone can give feedback on what to expect. I've got an apt on Mon at a clinic for a Mammogram, although leaflet tells me as I'm under 35 and never had one before they may do an ultra sound instead? It is because I went to Dr before Xmas with one sore breast, never really had cyclical pain before (although starting to think this is what may have started) and stopped breastfeeding 1.5yrs ago so don't think it can be related to that. Anyway, Dr couldn't find any lumps or anything, didn't seem that concerned bit said she'd send me for scan add I've never had one. Can anyone fill me in on what to expect? Letter I've received said apt could take 2-3hrs?! Thanks!

Bump

From my experience and going by what I was told, the ultrasound scan will be able to see more detail than the mammogram. I have cysts which don't show on the mammogram but do on the ultrasound. They will probably measure anything they spot so a follow up can see what's going on.

The ultrasound scan is just like the one you have when pregnant. It takes quite a while to do in detail which is why your appointment is for that length of time. Mind you, I didn't have mine in the UK so it may differ.

HTH

Thanks Peri, my Dr suggested it was either cyclical pains or poss a small cyst, so seems reason to do ultrasound then. Didn't realise they took so long! Thanks.

Fibrocystic breast condition is what I have. It doesn't cause me any problems for 90% of the time. It apparently is hormone related so is cyclical in nature.

I should warn you that the ultrasound can be painful though, I find it worse than the mammogram. But that might be because I have so many cysts.

Good luck and I hope it isn't too uncomfortable for you.

I'm also under 35, I recently had an ultrasound, I think it took about 15 minutes to do both breasts...the doctor had a small hand held scanner, went over the same areas several times, breasts and armpits. I waited about 30 minutes and received the scan photos and confirmation that all was fine. The test was fine though the gel was really cold. It didn't hurt me but the pressure was quite firm. Cysts which I had previously have shrunk/'disappeared'.
If you do have a mammogram you will have to lean your breasts on the machine, they are pressed which may be uncomfortable but sshouldnt actually be sore (I haven't had one, so I'm told). Good luck.

Peri, sorry the ultrasound is so painful for you, I guess my cysts have gone which helped a lot. If the test had been done the week before my period my perspective would be very different.

I've had 2 mammograms (in the US & over 40).

They're not hugely painful but are uncomfortable. Basically each breast is squashed between clamps for several s

Darn phone.

Squashed for several sections while the picture is taken. Each breast is done at different angles to get a full picture of the breast.

I've heard that it's more uncomfortable for women with larger breasts.

Not super pleasant but over w/in 10 minutes for both breasts.

I've only ever needed to be undressed to the waist.

They do say no deodorant, creams, make up or jewelry.

I think the reason the appointment might take so long is because you're seen in stages, with a possible waiting time between each, relatively short, procedure.

I had a recall from a mammogram which took a similar length of time. First a consultation with a doctor, then another mammogram, then an ultrasound, where the doctor said she was sure there was nothing to worry about. If she'd seen anything suspicious, I'd have then had a needle biopsy, with a diagnosis guaranteed by the end of the session.

It was all v efficient and neither of the procedures caused any discomfort.

Good luck!

I have this. My right boob kills me sometimes! It looks slightly different too, shape had changed. No lumps, mammo and us were clear.

It's not cyclical either. It went away for over a year and then came back again. Consultant happy there's nothing sinister.

Let us know how you get on, all the best.

Thanks all - had apt yesterday and was in and out in 10 mins! Dr did an examination and then ultra sound like when you have a baby. Didn't hurt at all and she discussed the images with me there and then just like in a baby ultrasound. Nothing there to see, all clear. Dr said it could have been a virus affecting glands in armpit, or if I decide it is cyclical pain then gave me a leaflet about taking evening primrose oil to help. Thanks for everyone's advice.