Mammography: A quick insight into the Test

1. Mammography: A quick insight into the Test In simple terms, Mammography or Mammogram is the x-ray of the breast to detect any abnormality. It is one of the major procedures used to detect breast cancer. Mammography is one of the important tests suggested for preventive care, if someone has a family history of breast cancer. To a greater extent, this procedure along with clinical exams and self-breast exams has helped in early detection of a breast tumor and its treatment. Breast cancer is one of the major cancer types resulting in female mortality all over the world. Through, this test, an early detection of the disease is possible for treatment initiation on time. Women should be aware of this procedure so that they can opt for it as a preventive measure. However, clinical advice and suggestions are always there, encouraging women to go for this test yearly in normal conditions. When is a Mammography suggested? Mammography is suggested as a routine check-up for prevention or to the people having a family history of breast disease. In other cases, it can also be suggested for symptoms like lumps in the breast, tenderness of the breasts, nipple discharge, dimpling or puckering. For any lump in the armpits as well, a mammography test can be advised. Types of Mammography 1. Screening Mammogram: It is done for a routine check-up when several x-rays of each breast is taken. The purpose of this test is to ensure that no abnormal changes are there in the breast. For any findings, further medical coo-relations are suggested. 2. Diagnostic Mammogram: For lumps or any other specific symptom of breast cancer in the female, several x-rays are taken to view the breasts from different positions. These are called diagnostic mammogram and they are extensive than the screening mammogram. Even symptoms of breast cancer in men require a diagnostic mammogram. Preparation for Mammography: On the day of the screening, an adequate mammogram preparation is needed. One should not apply deodorants, body powders, perfumes or ointment to the breasts. They might look like calcification and distort the image. Make sure to inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Also, inform your doctor if you are having any breast implant. During the procedure, discuss any breast symptom with the radiologist performing the x-ray. Procedure of Mammography: On the day of the process, you would be asked to remove the clothes up to the waist. Any necklace or jewelry should also be removed. Then a gown would be provided by the facility to be put on before the process starts. Based on the facility of the specific radiology center, you might be asked to stand or sit for the x-ray. An x-ray plate is put against the breast and compressor pushes the plate to flatten the tissue. This helps in getting the clear picture of the tissues. The process might feel a little discomforting but it is temporary and quite usual.

2. While the process continues, the doctor keeps on viewing the images as they get ready. If there is anything unclear, multiple images would be requested. The radiologist might need to take more images from different angles for a better view. Especially among the women under age 50 whose breasts are denser, a number of images are needed. The Use of Digital Mammograms Digital mammograms are quite popular and in-use these days due to the efficiency it offers. In this process, the x-ray images are directly loaded on to the computer where they are developed instantly. It does not take much time and hence enables the doctors to view the images quickly and suggest if more images are needed. The process of digital mammograms has reduced the time taken to diagnose. Not only this, the digital images are clearer than the regular x-ray images and gives better clarity on the existing condition. Complications or Side effects of Mammography: There are no major associated complications with a mammogram test, as the exposure to the radiation is very less. However, for a nursing mother, care should be taken to perform the x-ray with a lead apron. Also, the benefit of detecting the disease at an initial stage through the test after observing the signs & symptoms of breast cancer outweighs the risk associated with the radiation. Is Mammography painful? Going for a mammogram for the first time might bring some anxiety. You don’t know what all will happen and there is an obvious discomfort thinking of the process related to your private body

3. parts. However, different women have reported their experiences differently. The pressure put against your breast by the testing equipment might cause certain degree of pain or discomfort. These usually lasts for a few minutes and resolves once the process is over. The degree of pain experienced depends on the size of the breasts, your menstrual cycle time, and the skill of the technician. Your experience might also vary with every mammogram you receive. When to schedule a Mammography? The best time to schedule a mammogram is one week after the end of your menstrual cycle. The breast remains in a normal condition at this phase of the month. A test one week prior to the menstrual cycle should be avoided as at this time, the breasts are usually tender and dense. Women with no family history should start getting their mammograms done from the age of 40 and it should be repeated yearly. Those with a family history of breast cancer, especially an early history, should consult their doctor and get the tests done as advised. For any warning signs of breast cancer, meet the doctor immediately and get the test done as soon as possible. Results of a Mammography The results of a mammography usually revel conditions like cancerous or non-cancerous lumps. Other finding may include calcifications and fluid-filled cysts. Many times, these temporary cysts develop during the menstrual cycle of a woman and go on their own. Also, there is a standard mammography reading mechanism which is calculated in a scale of one to six. Based on the number, more x-rays might be suggested or severity of the lump can be calculated. The system is called BI-RADS or Breast Imaging Reporting and Database System. Do visit your doctor at the earliest after receiving the reports. It will give the doctor a better insight into the condition of the breast and severity of the disease, if any. Timely diagnosis based on the reports can help in early treatment and cure of the problem.