US Medical Term · tests
Mammogram
Mamografía
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Mammogram |
| Spanish (Español) | Mamografía |
| Chinese (中文) | 乳房攝影 |
| Korean (한국어) | 유방 촬영술 (유방 X선) |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Chụp nhũ ảnh (chụp X-quang vú) |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Mammogram |
| Portuguese (Português) | Mamografia |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | การตรวจแมมโมแกรม |
| Japanese (日本語) | マンモグラフィ |
What it means
A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast used to screen for or diagnose breast cancer and other abnormalities. Each breast is placed on a flat support plate and compressed briefly by a plastic paddle to spread out the tissue for clearer images. The compression lasts only a few seconds but may cause temporary discomfort or mild pain, especially around the time of your menstrual period. The test usually takes about 20 minutes. You should avoid using deodorant, powder, or lotion under your arms or on your breasts on the day of the exam, as these can appear on the images. Annual screening mammograms are generally recommended beginning at age 40 or 45 depending on your risk factors.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
When is the best time in my cycle to schedule a mammogram to reduce discomfort?
¿Cuál es el mejor momento de mi ciclo para programar una mamografía y reducir las molestias?
I was called back after my mammogram — does that mean I have cancer?
Me llamaron después de mi mamografía — ¿eso significa que tengo cáncer?
Should I bring my previous mammogram images to my appointment?
¿Debo llevar mis mamografías anteriores a mi cita?
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026