Mammogram/Mammography
What is a Mammogram?
A mammogram is nothing but an X-ray of the breast. It’s a screening tool aids in detecting breast cancer. Mammograms are important and a key element in the early detection of breast cancer. Screening mammography is a type of breast imaging that generally uses low doses of x-rays to rule out the possibilities of cancer soon. An X-Ray is a non-invasive medical exam that helps the doctor diagnose and treat medical ailments. Imaging with X-Rays usually involves exposing a part of the human body to a small dose or amount of radiation.
Digital Mammography is called the full field digital mammography. In this type of X-Ray film is replaced by -electronics. That converts x-rays into pictures/images of the breasts.
Computer Aided Detection looks out for abnormal areas of density, calcification and mass. They gradually indicate the presence of cancer.
What happens during a mammogram?
Before a mammogram appointment it is recommended that one discusses the new findings or problems in one’s breasts with your doctor. Do not forget to tell about the prior surgeries or hormone use and also family history of breast cancer( if there is any). It is advised to undress from the waist up and take out any jewelry specially if one is wearing necklaces. A gown is given to the patient and it depends on the testing facility if the patient needs to sit or stand while the pictures are taken from the breast.
It is recommended not to schedule your mammogram test before your monthly period as the breasts are generally tender during this time. The best time would be to get a mammogram following the period. During this process your doctor or technician will review each image as they are produced. He/She may order additional images if the images are blurred or unclear.
Things to keep in mind before getting ready for mammogram-
There are certain guidelines on the day of your mammography appointment or diagnosis.
- Please do not wear deodorant, perfume, use talcum powder or any kind of lotion on the day of the examination as they might appear on the mammogram as the calcium spots.
- Do discuss and describe any symptoms or problems of the technologist performing the test.
- Ask the technician when the results will be available and please do not assume the results to be normal unless one hears it from the doctor itself.
Do tell your radiologist before the test if you are pregnant or breastfeeding because mammogram screening is not available at this time. But if there’s an emergency an alternative method such as Ultrasound may be suggested.
Mammograms are totally safe and with this type of X-Ray one is exposed to a small amount of radiation during mammography. Hence , The risk from this type of exposure is typically low. Images that are produced from a mammogram helps to detect calcifications or the calcium deposits. Cysts can also be detected during this type of test.
There are around seven categories – primarily ranging from 0-6. Each category describes additional images that are necessary.
