Is There A New Mammography Machine That Makes The Screening Process Less Painful?

Oct. 9, 2007— -- Question from brigie36:I had pins inplanted in my right breast in two areas. After the biopsy because of my skin type the areas developed keloids and I can't perform self breast exam because I feel a lump in both areas. Also.. I have almost A cup breast and the drs.insist on the mammography which took 8 trials with no accurate photo. I insisted on a sonogam but was told this was more accurate and then eventually they prepared me for a sonogram. In the future is their any new mamo machine in which could make the process less painfull?

Answer from Karleen Habin, R.N., nurse consultant for OnCall+: Breast Cancer:Many patients describe discomfort during their mammogram. We often encourage patients to take Tylenol or Advil 24 – 48 hours before their exam to help reduce the discomfort. Additionally, if you are taking hormone replacement therapy, you might want to ask your medical team whether you can stop taking this medication a few days before your exam – this might too help to reduce discomfort. And finally, sometimes small clips are placed (less than the size of a pen tip) to help the Physician know where a biopsy has occurred in order that they can identify this.