Mammography is a diagnostic imaging technique that radiologists use to find out if a woman has breast cancer. It is helpful because it identifies the disease in its initial stage when its treatment is possible. In the process, X-rays show the breast tissue highlighting if any tumors are present. The mammogram process involves low-dose X-rays to make a breast tissue picture. Radiologists, doctors having expertise in interpreting medical images, then examine the images. The radiologist looks for any abnormalities, such as lumps or calcifications, that could indicate the presence of breast cancer.
Doctors recommend Mammograms for women over 40 as screening for breast cancer. However, those having a greater risk of breast cancer might need screening earlier or frequently. It includes those with a family history of the disease. They also use mammograms to diagnose the disease in case there are lumps or other symptoms.
While mammograms are a valuable instrument to identify breast cancer at the initial phase, they are not perfect. False positives, where a mammogram suggests the presence of breast cancer when there is none, can occur. This can lead to unnecessary biopsies, which can be stressful and invasive. False negatives can also occur when a mammogram does not detect breast cancer when it is present. It is, therefore, necessary for women to self-examine their breasts. They can report any unusual findings to their medical practitioner.
Different types of mammograms are listed as under;
Screening Mammograms
Women who have no signs or symptoms of breast cancer should get screening mammography. These are for women who do not have any breast cancer symptoms. Screening mammograms are for women who are 50 years of age or older. It is also for younger women having a greater risk of the disease because of family history or other factors.
During a screening mammogram, they compress the breasts between two plates to take the X-ray. It spreads to breast tissue making it convenient to determine any unusual situation. The X-ray produces an image of the breast tissue, and the radiologists then examine it. If the radiologist sees any abnormalities, they might recommend further testing.
Screening mammograms are typically performed on an annual basis. Medical practitioners encourage women to schedule their mammograms around the same time each year. It is to detect any changes in the breast tissue.
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Diagnostic Mammograms
These mammograms are for women who have breast cancer symptoms or have been referred for further testing following a screening mammogram. Diagnostic mammograms are more detailed than screening mammograms and may take longer.
During a diagnostic mammogram, they compress the breast and take multiple X-rays from different angles. It enables the radiologist to study breast tissue with a much deeper amount of detail.
The radiologist may also use additional imaging techniques like ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It is for a better picture of any unusual conditions. Doctors might recommend these mammograms in case there are symptoms like breast thickening, lumps, or nipple discharge. Doctors might also recommend it if there is an issue reflected in a screening mammogram.
3D Mammograms
3D mammography, also known as digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT). It is a newer type of mammogram showing very detailed pictures of breast tissue. Radiologists take multiple X-rays from different angles with 3D mammography. They then combine it to show the breast tissue in a 3D image.
It can help to detect breast cancer at initiation when it is possible to treat it. One of the main advantages of 3D mammography is that it can reduce the need for additional testing. It creates detailed images. The radiologist can see if there is an area of concern or a lump. This can reduce the need for additional imaging, such as ultrasound or MRI.
3D mammography is not available at all imaging centers and is not covered by insurance. Women interested in 3D mammography should talk to their healthcare provider about whether it is an option.
Breast Ultrasound
This type of ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to develop breast tissue images. Radiologists use it in conjunction with mammography to see the abnormalities identified. A breast ultrasound determines if a lump is fluid or solid. It helps to determine whether it is cancerous or not.
Radiologists cannot use breast ultrasound as a screening tool for breast cancer, as it is not as effective as mammography at detecting small tumors. However, they may recommend it for women who exhibit a higher density within their breast tissue. It is because dense tissue makes it hard to identify the areas of concern on a mammogram.
During a breast ultrasound, the woman lies on a table, and an assistant applies a gel to the breast skin. A small wand called a transducer is then moved over the breast. It emits sound waves that bounce off the breast tissue and create an image on a computer screen. The process is for less than 30 minutes.
Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
MRI is a type of imaging using a magnetic field to develop detailed images of breast tissue. It is for those having a greater risk of breast cancer. Those with a genetic mutation that raises their risk or whose family has a history of breast cancer are included.
Even if the breast cancer is diagnosed, doctors may still suggest a breast MRI to look at the extent of the breast cancer. It also sees if cancer has spread to various areas or nearby lymph nodes.
During a breast MRI, the woman lies on a table, and they insert the table into a tube-like machine. The machine creates a magnetic field and emits radio waves, which create detailed images of the breast tissue. The procedure is painless but can take up to an hour to complete.
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Contrast-Enhanced Mammography
It is a type of mammography using a contrast agent to develop the images. Doctors inject the contrast agent into a vein in the arm and then take X-rays of the breast tissue.
They may recommend contrast-enhanced mammography for women diagnosed with breast cancer to determine the extent of the disease and whether it has spread to other areas of the breast. They may also recommend it for women with dense breast tissue, as the contrast agent can help distinguish between normal breast tissue and abnormal tissue.
During contrast-enhanced mammography, the woman lies on a table, and the breast is compressed between two plates. The doctor then injects the contrast agent into a vein in the arm, and X-rays are taken of the breast tissue. The procedure is typically for less than an hour. To avail of the best affordable imaging service, visit us now.
Important Points
Women need to understand the different types of mammograms available to make informed decisions about their breast health. Mammography has several limiting factors, like any other test. It is currently the best tool for identifying cancer in the initial phases.
Women are also responsible for understanding the value of best cancer screening since early identification can greatly improve the probability of successful treatment. The American Cancer Society recommends that women begin getting annual mammograms at age 40, although this may vary depending on individual risk factors and family history.
In addition to mammography, women should perform regular breast self-exams and have clinical breast exams performed by a healthcare provider as part of their routine medical care. If they detect any changes or abnormalities, it is imperative that one reaches out to a medical institute for expanded evaluation.
Each of the above types of mammograms comes with its own benefits and limitations, and women should work with their healthcare providers to determine the best screening options for their individual needs. Women can improve their odds of early breast cancer detection and prompt treatment by adopting a proactive approach to breast health.
Conclusion
Mammography is a crucial tool in the fight against breast cancer. Screening mammograms are for those having no symptoms of breast cancer. However, diagnostic mammograms are for those with high symptoms and unusual breast conditions. Other types of mammography, such as 3D mammography, breast ultrasound, breast MRI, and contrast-enhanced mammography, may be suitable in certain cases. Women should communicate with the relevant healthcare professionals about which type of mammogram is right for them. Ignoring the symptoms of breast cancer at its preliminary state can be determinantal to one’s health and life. Getting an ultrasound done is better than letting cancer spread in the body.