25 answers

Mammogram - Grand Rapids,MI

I just found out that I have to have a mammogram. They called to make the appointment, but didn't give me any specific instructions. I thought that I've heard once that you can't wear deodorant because it can interfere with the film. Is this true or was I dreaming?

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So What Happened?™

Thank you for everyone's advice... it was my first mammogram and was set up in a matter of days (due to a lump I found) so I wasn't sent any paperwork or instructions. I didn't wear any lotions, powder or deodorant and all is fine!

Featured Answers

I had a mammogram when I was 28 years old. I wasn't allowed to wear deoderant. No jewelry, deoderant, bra. Actually, nothing from the waste up, including perfumes, etc. That was a while ago, but the hospital will send you info on what you can and cannot wear. I brought my deoderant with me and put it on after the test. Good luck!

Yes, the deoderant can give the illusion of tiny calcifications on the film. That said, when I had my mammogram 2 weeks ago, I had to work all day, and I wore deoderant. They provide wipes at Karmanos to clean off the deoderant, which I used, and all was well.

Yes, you're right. I'm suprised they didn't tell you that! No deodorant, lotions or powders. (I just had mine last week) :) Good luck!

More Answers

That's true. No powder, lotion or deoderant. Typically, the Dr.s office will make the appointment for you, then the facility will call you to give you instructions. If not, don't hesitate to call and ask the staff that does the mammography screening.

~L.

LOL...it has nothing to do with the next person in line not 'liking' the smells your deo., perfume, etc leaves behind...anything that touches the machine must be wiped clean between patients! It is because the chemical compounds of these products can actually show up on the film and interfere with the interpretation by the Radiologist. Just an FYI!

1 mom found this helpful

You're right, A.. No deoderant, and no lotions under your arms. I've had several mammograms and they're no fun, but the girls are always very sweet and concienscious, so that helps.
D.

I had a mammogram when I was 28 years old. I wasn't allowed to wear deoderant. No jewelry, deoderant, bra. Actually, nothing from the waste up, including perfumes, etc. That was a while ago, but the hospital will send you info on what you can and cannot wear. I brought my deoderant with me and put it on after the test. Good luck!

Hi A.,

Deodorant can show upon the xray and be mistaken for calcifications. That is why you are not to wear deodorant. The centers I have been to provide the deodorant wipes for you to use afterwards, they are these little packets that look like wet ones, that have deodorant on it, if you choose to use them. I don't know of other instructions, but you can call the center where your mammogram is being done and ask .

You were right - no deodorant because the aluminum salts in it
interfere with the film. Another no-no is talcum powder for the same reason. The mammo department usually offers spray
deodorant when you're dressing after the exam or you can carry
along some of your choice. Good luck. M. B

You are not dreaming. Women are not supposed to wear deodorant for mammograms, but if you accidentally wear some, the lab usually has towelettes to wipe it off when you change into your "gown".

About me: Sixty year young grandma who gets annual mammograms.

Hi A., Yes it's true. It could show on the xray as something, and then of course there would have to be further tests to make sure that's all it was. Good luck with your test.

Yeah, it's true. I always take a shower right before I go so that there isn't any sweat build up under my arms. No deodorant, no lotions or oils either. Lotions and oils can help you slip out of the machine making it possible you'll need more films taken and that's no fun. It doesn't take very long to actually take the films, it's just a bit uncomfortable especially if you're a little more well endowed. Most likely your doctor just wants to have a base-line mammogram to compare with later one's you'll end up doing.

Good luck - S.

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