Mammography is an X-ray imaging technique which is used to image the soft tissue soft tissues of the breast and the image is called as a mammogram. The technique uses very low dose of ionizing radiation and is a lot safer than the conventional X-ray imaging techniques. In the present era where prevention is better than cure, a mammogram is used to diagnose and screen breasts in women who could be affected by cancer, now or at a later age. Mammograms have been performed over for more than decades now and still are widely used for breast screening.
What are the types of mammography ?
The mammography can be either used for diagnostic purposes or for screening purposes. In a diagnostic mammography a suspicion of cancer or cancerous tissue in the breast is analyzed. Whereas during a screening mammography, women over 40 years of age are screened from time to time for any likelihood of cancer in the future. The procedure of screening is performed is safe in both the types of mammography.
Depending upon the technique, mammography can be conventional where X-rays are used to image the soft tissue of the breast which are later concerted into films for viewing. The advanced technique is a digital mammography where the procedure remains the same but the images are digitized and are made available to you and your doctor in the form of images which can be viewed on a computer.
When is a mammogram advised ?
A mammogram is advised for screening purposes in women above 40 years of age to detect and predict if cancer can occur in the breast tissue. It is also advised in women who are experiencing any symptoms of any swelling, lumps, pain or discharge from the breast tissue to identify the abnormality.
Are there any conditions when a mammogram is not advised ?
Mammogram is a imaging technique to identify the tissues of the breast and the amount of radiation used is also minimal. It is still advisable that you inform your treating doctor or the radiologist if you are pregnant or lactating. The imaging of breasts become difficult with silicon or saline implants hence it is important the doctor if you have any breast implants.
How does a mammography equipment look like ?
A mammography equipment is a rectangular box which is used to image the breast tissue by passing a beam of X-rays between two boards which hold the breast tissue together.
How do you prepare for a mammogram ?
Not much preparation is needed before a mammogram procedure, but you should abstain from wearing any talcum powder, deodorant or cream/lotion at least 24hrs before the mammogram, as they main interfere with the imaging process and may give false results. You will be asked to wear a loose gown and remove any piece of jewelry before the mammogram.
What happen during a mammogram procedure ?
Once your doctor or technician has prepared you for the mammogram, you will be made to wear a loose hospital gown and will be made to stand close to the mammography machine. Then the technician or doctor will position your breasts between the units of the mammography equipment so that vertical and horizontal imaging can be done. You might feel that your breasts are compressed during the imaging process. The soft tissues of the breast are imaged depending upon the density of the breast tissue (fat and glandular tissue). You might be allowed to change positions during the imaging process and the entire procedure takes about half an hour or more depending upon the images required.
What happens after the mammogram is performed ?
Once the mammogram is completed, your breasts might feel a little tender or painful because of the compression. You might be allowed to take some pain medication to help you in feeling better.
Who reports a mammogram ?
A mammogram is reported by a radiologist or specialist who is trained in reading mammograms. Our mammogram report will be made available to your treating doctor. If any abnormality is detected in the mammogram your doctor might advise you for further investigative procedures. The reports are made available to you depending upon the hospitals policy.
How accurate are mammograms ?
Mammograms are traditionally being used to screen and diagnose cancerous tissue in breasts. There might be instances when a false positive results are obtained (suggesting of cancer when it is not there), mis-diagnosis, or false negative results (when mammogram is not able to suggest cancerous tissue when it is actually present). It is always important to support a mammogram with a detailed medical history, and other investigative procedures such as a biopsy for better accuracy.
Are there any risks associated with mammography ?
The risks are minimal as the amount of radiation used is very less in mammograms. Since radiation is used it can be harmful in certain individuals. But in most of the patients the benefits of a mammogram outweigh the risks that could be associated with it.
What are the recent advances in the field of mammography ?
Besides digital mammography, a specialized technique called as 3D-mammograaphy or breast tomosynthesis or digital breast tomosynthesis where multiple images of the breast are taken from different angles to create a 3D-image of the breast tissue. The technique basically resembles a conventional CT scan where image slicing is done to obtain a 3D image. The radiation dosage might be a little more with this technique hence it is important to ask your doctor if the breast tomosynthesis is recommended for you as compared to a conventional mammogram.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
