WHAT IS A MAMMOGRAM

A mammogram is a typical x-ray photograph of the breasts. It is performed to identify breast tumors and possibility of cancer.

How is the Mammogram Test Performed

You will be requested to undress the upper half of your body. You will be given a special(Lead-lined) gown to wear. Depending on the type of equipment used, you will sit down or stand.

One breast at a time is rested on a flat surface that includes the x-ray plate. A gadget called a compressor will be pressed firmly in opposition to the breast. This helps flatten the breast tissue.

The x-ray pictures are taken from a number of angles. You may alsobe requested to hold your breath as each image is taken.

You might also be asked to come again at a later date for more mammogram images. This does not imply that you do have breast cancer. Your health care practitioner might also want to recheck the place that could not bring the optimum picture in the first test.

TYPES OF MAMMOGRAPHY

Traditional mammography makes use of film, similar to x-rays.

Digital mammography is the most common techniquethese days:

It is now commonly used in most breast screening centers.

It allows the Momograms of the breast to be reviewd on a computer screen.

It may additionally be extra accurate in younger girls with dense breasts.

Three-dimensional (3D) mammography is yet another type of digital mammography.

How to Prepare for the Test

Avoid using deodorant, perfume, powders, or ointments on your breasts on the day of the mammogram.

These may interfere in the quality of the images. Also remove all jewelry from your neck and chest area.

Tell the x-ray technologist if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you've had a breast biopsyrecently.

How the Test will Feel

The compressor surfaces might also experience cold. When the breast is pressed down, you might also have some pain. This needs to be carried out to get quality images.

Why the Test is Performed

When and how frequently to have a screening mammogram is a preference you need to makein discussion with your healthcare provider.

Mammography is normally endorsed for:

Women beginning at age 40, repeated each 1 to 2 years.

All ladies beginning at age 50, repeated each and every 1 to 2 years.

Women with a mom or sister who had breast cancer at a youthful age must think about every year mammograms.

They have to start beforehand than the age at which their youngest family member used to be diagnosed.
 

Mammography is also used to:

Follow-upa female who has had an ordinary mammogram.

Evaluate a female who has symptoms of a breast disease. These symptoms may additionally consist of a lump, nipple discharge, breast pain, dimpling of the skin on the breast, modifications of the nipple, or different findings.
 

Normal Results

Breast tissue that indicates no signs of a mass or calcifications is regarded normal.

What Abnormal Results Mean

Most ordinary findings on a screening mammogram turn out to be benign (not cancer) or nothing to fear about.

New findings or changes in the internal structure of tissues must be further evaluated.

Your radiologist might also look for the following types of findings on a mammogram:

A well-outlined, regular, clear spot (which is likely to be a noncancerous condition, somtimes a cyst)
Masses or lumps

Dense areas in the breast that can be breast cancer or disguise breast cancer

Calcifications, which are precipitated with the aid of tiny deposits of calcium in the breast tissue (most calcifications are now not a sign of cancer)

At times, the following checks are additionally wished to in addition examine mammogram findings:

Additional mammogram views, inclusive of magnification or compression views

Breast ultrasound

Breast MRI exam 

Comparing your modern mammogram to your past mammograms helps the radiologist identify whether or not you had an extraordinary finding in the previous and whether or not it has changed.

When mammogram or ultrasound results appear suspicious, a biopsy is conducted to test the tissue and see if it is cancerous.

Types of biopsies include:
Stereotactic
Ultrasound
Open

Risks

The stage of radiation is low and any danger from mammography is very low. If you are pregnant and want to have a mamogram done, your belly area will be covered by a lead apron.

Routine screening mammography is not conducted at some stages of pregnancy or whilst breastfeeding.

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is for patient general knowledge only and should not be used during any medical emergency, for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Duplication for personal and commercial use must be authorized in writing by Surjen.com.