Mammographic surveillance assessment
Read our guide below about mammographic surveillance assessment.
You can also download a PDF version of this patient information by following the link on the right.
What is mammographic surveillance assessment?
You’re currently under mammographic surveillance. This means that you’re coming to the Breast Unit for yearly mammograms.
Sometimes there are changes and appearances in the breast tissue which our clinicians want to look at more closely. This is why we call people back for mammographic surveillance assessment.
What happens at a mammographic surveillance assessment appointment?
Come to the reception in the Breast Unit when you arrive. You should expect to be in the Unit for up to 2 hours. You’re welcome to bring a relative or friend with you.
It’s important that you don’t use talcum powder on the day of your appointment. It can sometimes show up in the breast images
You can use roll-on antiperspirant or deodorant.
The clinicians will review the images you’ve already had taken. They might need more x-ray images of specific areas of the breast or images taken in different
positions and at different angles.
The number of extra images taken will vary but it’s important to gather all the information needed.
Clinicians will usually do an ultrasound of the breast tissue and armpit as well as the x-ray images. Ultrasound is a painless procedure and is the same test that lets
pregnant people see their baby.
During this appointment, we may need to take a sample (biopsy) of breast tissue for analysis in the laboratory. This involves taking tissue from any area of concern under x-ray or ultrasound using local anaesthetic to numb the area.
When will I get the results?
Often, after further imaging, we can reassure you there and then that there’s no cause for concern. We’ll tell the person who requested your mammographic surveillance imaging about your result.
If you’ve had breast sampling (biopsy), we’ll plan for you to get the results around 1 week after the biopsy. We’ll arrange an appointment with the appropriate team before you leave the Breast Unit.
What if I have any questions?
We’re happy to answer any further questions or concerns. Call us on 01494 323300.
Our telephone lines are open every weekday from 9am until 4.30pm
You can also contact the Breast Care Nurses on 01494 426228.
How can I help reduce healthcare associated infections?
Infection prevention and control is important to the wellbeing of our patients so we have procedures in place. Keeping your hands clean is an effective way of preventing the spread of infections.
You, and anyone visiting you, must use the hand sanitiser available at the entrance to every ward before coming in and after you leave. You may need to wash your hands at the sink using soap and water. Hand sanitisers are not suitable for dealing with patients who have symptoms of diarrhoea.
More help or advice
Contact our patient advice and liaison service (PALS) on 01296 316042 or bht.pals@nhs.net
About our patient information
We aim to make the information as up to date and accurate as possible, but please note that it’s subject to change. You must always check specific advice on any concerns you may have with your doctor.
01494 426228