Understanding Cone Compressions: What to Expect After an Abnormal Mammogram

Question
Karen,

I just got a call from my doctor telling me I had an abnormal mammogram and have to go have cone compressions.  What is that?
Thanks.

Answer
Dear Naomi,   A cone compression is simular to a mammogram except that instead of the large flat plexiglass/plastic instrument that they used to compress the breast in the mammogram, they use a cone shaped instrument instead and it is placed directly on the spot where the abnormal tissue was seen in the original mammogram....  Then they take the x-ray and this gives them a better, more exact look at the suspecious area....

I had one done when they found a suspicious area in my breast....  It does not hurt any more than a regular mammogram....

Thank you,    karen