Mammogram: What Affects The Test
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What Affects the Test
Reasons you may not be able to have the test or why the results may not be helpful include:
- Deodorant, perfume, powders, or ointments applied to the breasts or under the arms before the test. They may interfere with the X-ray pictures.
- Breast implants or scar tissue from previous breast surgery. This may make a mammogram more difficult to interpret.
A mammogram is not usually done if you are:
- Pregnant, because the radiation could damage your developing baby (fetus). If a mammogram is absolutely necessary for diagnosing a problem, a lead apron will be placed over your abdomen to shield your baby from exposure to the X-rays.
- Breast-feeding, because breasts that contain milk are very difficult to examine.
| Last updated: | February 22, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS |
| Reviewed By: | Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine, Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer |
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