When you get a mammogram, you stand beside the machine, and a specially trained technologist helps place your breast on a plastic plate. A second piece of plastic is placed on top and for a few seconds, some pressure is applied to flatten the breast to get a good, clear picture. Two pictures are usually taken of each breast. Some women may feel a little discomfort but most report none. The entire process takes about fifteen minutes.
Compression is important because it reduces the radiation dose.
Also, during compression the breast tissue is spread out, allowing the radiologist to detect small changes. While perhaps uncomfortable, compression lasts only about six seconds and will not damage the breast. The radiologist may do additional mammographic views or ultrasound. Ultrasound helps determine if a nodule is fluid filled or solid. Fluid-filled nodules are cysts which are benign.