Mammography
Mammography is a low-dose X-ray examination of the breast. It can detect breast cancer at an early stage — often before a lump can be felt — and is also used to investigate symptoms such as a lump, pain or nipple discharge. Modern digital and 3D (tomosynthesis) mammography gives clear, detailed images to guide diagnosis.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
A mammogram is a specialised, low-dose X-ray of the breast. Each breast is gently compressed between two plates for a few seconds so that the breast tissue spreads out and can be imaged clearly with the lowest possible radiation dose. Mammography is used both for screening — checking for early breast cancer in women without symptoms — and for diagnosis, where it investigates a lump, pain, skin or nipple changes. Many centres use 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), which takes images in thin layers and can improve detection, especially in dense breasts. Ultrasound or MRI is sometimes added to give more information.
International patients are supported by a coordinator who arranges the scan and any follow-up tests in one visit where possible. If you have previous mammograms from abroad, our radiologists can review them alongside the new images for comparison and provide a second-opinion reading, and you receive a clear, personalised cost estimate before you travel.
Who is a candidate?
- Women within the recommended age range for routine breast-cancer screening
- Anyone with a breast lump, thickening, pain or change in size or shape
- People with nipple discharge, retraction or skin changes over the breast
- Women at higher risk because of family history or genetic factors, who may screen earlier or more often
- Patients monitoring a previously treated breast cancer or a known breast abnormality
- Those recalled for further views after a screening mammogram
What happens
- 1
Preparation
On the day, avoid using deodorant, talcum powder or lotion on the breasts and underarms, as these can show up on the images. Wearing a two-piece outfit is convenient, since you undress from the waist up. Tell the team if you are or might be pregnant or are breastfeeding.
- 2
During the scan
You stand at the machine and a radiographer positions each breast on the plate. The breast is gently compressed for a few seconds while the image is taken, usually from two angles per breast. The compression can feel uncomfortable or briefly tight but lasts only moments.
- 3
Additional views or tests
Sometimes extra magnified views, a 3D (tomosynthesis) study or an ultrasound are added the same day to look more closely at an area. If something needs sampling, an image-guided biopsy may be arranged.
- 4
Afterwards & results
There is no recovery time and you can return to normal activity immediately. A radiologist reviews the images, comparing them with any previous mammograms, and a written report is usually ready within 24–48 hours for your doctor to discuss with you.
Benefits
- Can detect breast cancer early — often before a lump can be felt — when treatment is most effective
- Uses a low radiation dose and takes only a few minutes
- Non-invasive, with no injection and no recovery time
- 3D (tomosynthesis) imaging can improve detection, particularly in dense breast tissue
- Allows direct comparison with previous mammograms to spot subtle changes over time
Risks & considerations
- Uses a low dose of ionising radiation; the benefit of early detection is considered to outweigh this small risk
- Breast compression can be uncomfortable, though only for a few seconds
- Dense breast tissue can make findings harder to interpret, so additional ultrasound or MRI is sometimes needed
- Like any screening test, it can occasionally miss a cancer or flag a normal area, leading to further tests
- Generally not the first choice during pregnancy, where ultrasound is often preferred
Conditions this treats
Where it is performed
This procedure is delivered by our Radiology & Imaging.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
Mammography — frequently asked questions
The price depends on whether it is a standard or 3D mammogram and whether ultrasound or further views are added. We provide a clear, personalised estimate before your visit and confirm exactly what is included.
Yes, and comparison is genuinely useful. If you bring or send your previous mammogram images and reports, our radiologists can review them alongside the new study for a second-opinion reading and to detect subtle changes over time.
Mammography uses a low dose of X-rays. The dose is small and tightly controlled, and the benefit of detecting breast cancer early is widely considered to outweigh the very small risk from the radiation.
The breast is compressed for a few seconds, which can feel tight or uncomfortable but is brief. Tell the radiographer if you find it painful — small adjustments and good timing in your menstrual cycle can help.
3D mammography takes images of the breast in thin layers rather than a single flat picture. This can make abnormalities easier to see and reduce the chance of being recalled unnecessarily, and is especially helpful in dense breasts. Your team will advise whether it is right for you.
Not every finding is cancer. If an area needs a closer look, you may have additional views, an ultrasound or MRI, and sometimes an image-guided biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. Your coordinator helps arrange any follow-up, often within the same visit.
Related treatments
Considering mammography?
Share your reports for a medical second opinion and a transparent, itemized cost estimate — usually within 48 hours.