How should patients prepare for a mammogram appointment?

Patients should avoid any products on the day of the exam to ensure the accuracy of the mammogram results. This includes refraining from using lotions, deodorants, perfumes, or powders, as these substances can sometimes leave residues on the skin that may interfere with the imaging process. Such residues might appear on the mammogram and could potentially mimic or obscure abnormalities, leading to misinterpretation of the results. Therefore, maintaining a clean skin surface is crucial for a clear examination. Proper preparation helps radiologists obtain the most reliable images and effectively screen for any potential issues.

While moisturizing lotions or deodorants are typically harmless, using them prior to a mammogram can complicate the interpretation of the images and potentially prompt false alarms or additional imaging. Hence, the recommendation for patients is to arrive with no products applied.