Why might you want to reschedule your mammogram after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine?
Dr. Andrea Porpiglia of the Fox Chase Cancer Center joined Good Day Philadelphia to talk about why you should wait to have mammograms done if you plan to get the coronavirus vaccine.
FILADELPHIA – Health officials advise women seeking mammograms to schedule them before receiving the first or second dose of COVID-19.
What is the concern about getting a mammogram immediately after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine?
Dr. Andrea Porpiglia, assistant professor at Fox Chase Cancer Center, met with Alex Holley and Mike Jerrick of FOX 29 to talk about this important health information.
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“What we are seeing are women who have received the COVID vaccine. We are seeing some enlarged lymph nodes. This is a normal reaction to the vaccine. We are concerned that we do not want women to worry or take unnecessary biopsies. undergoing or imaging as a result, ”said Dr. Porpiglia.
“We recommend it for women. If you know you are getting a COVID vaccine, try to get a mammogram ahead of time. If you have been given a vaccine, wait four to six weeks afterwards. On this way you avoid the unnecessary work up, ‘Dr. Porpiglia added.
“It seems like some people find it so difficult to make an appointment for a vaccine, so they probably want to hold it. As long as you communicate it and let them know. But it should take four to six weeks. no, is that a big problem? ”FOX 29’s Alex Holley asked.
“Typically no. And if you have a breast, if you have chest pain, you feel a mass, do not delay the mammogram due to the vaccination,” replies dr. Porpiglia.
She added that you should make sure you have had the vaccine if you do not feel comfortable postponing your mammogram.
“Okay, I’m not into medicine. So, you’ll have to go a little deeper for me. What’s up with the lymph nodes?” Mike Jerrick of FOX 29 asked.
“The lymph nodes are – the main purpose is that it helps; it contains the T cells and B cells that help us fight infection. If you get the vaccine and get your immune response and make these antibodies, lymph nodes will naturally get bigger. “This is a normal reaction that we would expect with the vaccine,” said Dr. Porpiglia replied.
So you might be thinking, ‘Oh, I have a lump? ‘Ask Jerrick.
“Correct,” said Dr. Porpiglia said, adding: “You can feel it. In both studies for the vaccines they have seen it in patients. And it will disappear. However, if the lymph node persists, if you feel the mass under your arm, then you should look into it. ‘
“Is there a difference between the first dose and the second dose, for you?” Ask Jerrick.
“No, so it’s been seen after both. You can see it after the first dose and the second dose. However, we are seeing more patients after the second dose,” said Dr. Porpiglia said.
For more information on coronavirus vaccines in your condition, visit our coronavirus vaccination page.
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