What Is Mammography and What Should I Expect?
Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women today, accounting for one out of every three cancer diagnoses. One in every eight (12.4%) women will develop invasive breast cancer at some point in their lives, making it one of the leading causes of cancer mortality among women worldwide. Breast cancer mortality has decreased over time due to early detection, appropriate medical intervention, and sequential postoperative treatment. Mammography is one of the most effective early detection and screening methods.
What Exactly Is Mammography?
Mammography, also known as mammogram or mastography, examines the human breast with low-energy X-rays for early detection and screening. The primary goal of mammography, in addition to regular clinical exams and monthly breast self-examinations, is to detect breast cancer early, typically through the detection of characteristic masses or microcalcifications.
Mammography Type
Mammography is classified into two types based on the Diagnosis:- Mammography screening: This is a routine test that is used to check for cancer or changes in the breast.
- Diagnostic mammography: A procedure used to detect a lump or other signs of breast cancer. While the process is the same for both, diagnostic mammography is more extensive than screening mammography and may require more images. Mammography is classified into four types based on the Process used:
- Digital mammography is a type of mammography that uses digital receptors and computers rather than x-ray film to examine breast tissue for breast cancer and detect it in its early stages.
- 3D Mammography: 3D mammography, also known as digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), tomosynthesis, or 3D breast imaging, uses X-rays to create a 3D image of the breast.
- Photon-Counting Mammography: This method creates images with a lower dose of X-ray than traditional methods. It primarily employs spectral imaging to improve image quality, which aids in distinguishing between different tissue types and measuring breast density.
- Galactography: Also known as breast ductography, galactography is a type of mammography that primarily uses a radiopaque substance injected into the duct system to visualize the milk ducts.
Who Should Get a Mammogram?
Every woman over the age of 40 should have a mammogram every one or two years. However, if you have a personal or family history of breast cancer, your doctor may advise you to begin breast screenings earlier in life, have them more frequently, or use additional diagnostic tools.
Precaution for Mammography?
Mammography should be avoided the week before your period or during the menstrual cycle,
as your breasts may be tender or swollen at the time.
Do not forget to inform the treating doctor or radiologist if you are pregnant or
breastfeeding, as X-ray exposure is not recommended during this time. However, depending
on the severity of the condition, the doctor may recommend other screening methods, such
as an ultrasound, if necessary.
How Is A Mammogram Performed?
A mammography test is a straightforward procedure. The patient or person undergoing the procedure is first instructed to remove all clothing from the waist up and to set aside any jewellery. The breasts are then placed or fitted on a resting plate, and a compression device is used to push the breast down and flatten the tissue to obtain a clearer image. The person may experience some discomfort, but it is usually only temporary and does not harm the breast tissue. The technician typically takes two views of each breast.
How Should the Results Be Interpreted?
After the procedure is completed, the person will typically receive the
films. The films are then examined by radiologists who have received specialized
training in breast image interpretation.
Aside from cancer detection, mammography can aid in the detection of calcification, or
calcium deposits, in the breasts.
It can also detect cysts within the breast tissue that may appear and disappear
naturally during some people's menstrual cycles, as well as the presence of any
cancerous or noncancerous lumps.
If the mammography results are normal, repeat the procedure every year as a routine
check-up.
If the results are found to be abnormal, the doctor may advise the patient to undergo
additional mammograms, tests, exams, or other imaging techniques such as MRI or
Ultrasound. If the procedure detects cancer and the patient requires surgery, the doctor
may refer the patient to a specialist or a surgeon.