It is critical that women prioritize their health and well-being. One crucial step towards ensuring you are fit is by getting regular mammograms. An imaging procedure called a mammogram generates specialized X-ray images of the breasts. They aid in the detection of any alterations that might point to the presence of breast cancer. Learn more about them, their advantages, and when to get your first mammogram by reading on.
Let’s examine what they are, their benefits, and when you should get your first mammogram.
What Is A Mammogram?
A mammogram is an affordable imaging technique utilizing low-energy X-rays to capture images of breast tissue. The procedure entails compressing the breast between two plates to obtain a clear image with ample details.
A trained radiologic technologist or radiologist specializing in breast imaging conducts the mammogram test.
Why Is A Mammogram Necessary?
Mammograms are essential in detecting breast cancer at its earliest stages, even before any visible symptoms. It can detect cancer in its early stages and increase the chances of a successful prognosis. Furthermore, it mitigates the risk of cancerous cells spreading. Mammograms can also help detect other breast abnormalities, such as cysts or calcifications.
When Should You Get Your First Mammogram?
The inclusion of mamograms at the right time can greatly contribute to one’s health. Effective treatment requires early detection of any disease. However, your first mammogram will also indicate your overall health status.
The American Cancer Society endorses that women begin getting mammograms at age 40. And should make it an annual medical examination. However, a proficient healthcare provider should evaluate you and recommend the best schedule determined by your medical history and risk factors.
Type of Mammogram
Diagnostic and screening mammography are the two main categories of mammograms. Women without signs of breast cancer can be diagnosed with it through screening mammography.
Diagnostic mammography, on the other hand, is used to assess breast abnormalities in women who have symptoms. There may be a lump or nipple discharge among these symptoms. Your attending can ascertain which type of mammogram is necessary based on the initial diagnostic evaluation. you can visit Diagnostic Center for Women, for Diagnosis.
What Happens During a Mammogram?
Before the mammography, you will be asked to take off everything above the waist and given a hospital gown to wear. Your breast will next be placed on a flat table and gradually compressed using a specific plate by the technologist.
The feeling of discomfort due to compression lasts momentarily. The technologist will then take X-rays of your breast from different angles to obtain the necessary images.
What are the Benefits of a Mammogram?
The primary advantage of a mammogram is its ability to detect breast cancer at the initial stages. It can greatly improve the chances of success and the overall prognosis.
Mammograms can also detect other breast abnormalities, such as cysts or calcifications. Regular testing can create a baseline metric regarding the status of the breast tissue. It can help expedite the identification of changes and anomalies in the tissue.
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What are the Risks of a Mammogram?
A mammogram, like all medical procedures, carries an element of risk. The primary risk of mammography is radiation exposure. However, the radiation dosage is minor, and the risk is minimal.
Additionally, the compression of the breast during the procedure can be uncomfortable or even painful for some women, but this sensation only lasts for a few seconds. It is important to note that mammograms are not 100% accurate and can sometimes produce false positives or false negatives.
False positives occur when a mammogram indicates the presence of breast cancer when none is actually present. False negatives occur when a mammogram fails to detect breast cancer that is actually present. This is why it is essential to combine mammography with regular clinical breast exams and self-breast exams.
Factors To Consider When Getting A Mammogram
Several factors are important to consider when getting a mammogram to ensure the procedure is effective and safe. These include the following:
Age
The age at which you begin getting mammograms is an important consideration. As mentioned earlier, women should get their first mammogram at age 40 and continue to do so yearly. However, some women may have to start getting mammograms earlier. It depends on their personal medical history, symptoms, and risk factors.
Medical History
Taking into account your medical background is an additional aspect to consider. If you possess a genetic predisposition for breast cancer or have formerly experienced a diagnosis. It could be necessary for you to undergo mammograms sooner or with greater regularity compared to females who lack these factors.
Breast Density
Breast density is the ratio of fatty tissue to fibrous and glandular tissue in the breast. Mammograms may not be sufficient for women with thick breasts; further imaging exams, such as ultrasound or MRI, may be required. you can
Hormone Therapy
Taking hormone therapy, such as estrogen or progesterone, can have a possible effect on your mammogram results. In this case, it is advisable to discuss with your healthcare provider how to proceed with the test.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
The breast tissue may be more sensitive during pregnancy or breastfeeding. That is why women are recommended they should avoid getting a mammogram under these conditions.
Previous Mammogram Results
If you have had previous mammograms, bringing these results to your appointment is important. It can facilitate the diagnostic Imaging process and provide a baseline comparison of your breast tissues to the radiologist.
How to Prepare For a Mammogram
Pre-prep is important as it ensures the procedure goes smoothly and you are comfortable. Following are some tips on how to prepare for a mammogram:
- Choose a time when your breasts are least likely to be sore for your mammography visit. This is typically one week after your period has ended.
- Avoid applying any products to your breasts or underarms the day of your mammography, including deodorants, lotions, powders, and perfumes. These items may obstruct mammography images.
- Wear a two-piece attire, like slacks and a shirt, so you just have to take your top off for the mammography.
- You should let the healthcare practitioner know if you are expecting or nursing a baby. Mammograms do not carry an inherent risk for pregnant people, but the healthcare provider may want to take additional precautions.
- If you have had mammograms at a different facility, bring your previous mammogram images with you to your appointment.
- If you have breast implants, let your doctor know since they might need to perform further imaging.
- It is imperative that concerns should be communicated to the healthcare provider. It can allow them to provide additional information or support.
What to Expect from a Mammogram Procedure
The test is a crucial detection procedure that can help identify cancer within breast tissues in its initial stages. If you have a mammogram appointment coming up for yourself or a loved one, here is what can be expected before and during the procedure, if you are living in New Jersey then you can contact AQMDI we offer Digital Mammography Services in NJ.
Before the Mammogram
- The technician will ask you to change into a hospital gown, which opens in the front.
- You will have to remove any jewelry or clothing from the waist up, including bras with underwires.
- The mammography equipment, which has two flat plates, will require you to stand in front of it. These are sandwiched between two plates to create the breast image.
Also, read more about: How I knew I had Inflammatory Breast Cancer
During the Mammogram
- Your technician will position your breast on the plate and compress it with a clear plastic paddle. The discomfort lasts momentarily.
- The technician will take two images of each breast, one from the top and one from the side.
- To minimize any movement that could blur the image, the technician can request you to hold your breath for a brief period of time throughout each image.
After the Mammogram
- You will be given a gown or a sheet to cover yourself while you wait for the technician to review your images.
- If the technician needs to take additional images, they will let you know at this time.
- After your images are reviewed, you may be asked to wait for a short period. The technician ensures that all images are taken within the allocated time.
The Final Word
Mammograms are a critical and essential women’s imaging procedure for the early detection of breast cancer. For some women, the process could be uncomfortable. The overall advantages of early diagnosis vastly exceed the dangers of mammography. It is essential to look after one’s health.
It is vital that one take care of their health. Additionally, it is necessary to be transparent and candidly communicate with your healthcare provider regarding personal medical history. They should figure out the risk factors and when to start obtaining routine mammograms as well.
In summation, the mammogram serves as a speedy and comparatively painless operation. Familiarity with its intricacies, preparation guidelines beforehand, and anticipations during the procedure can guarantee complete ease for all involved. Inquiries or apprehensions regarding one’s own mammogram should be discussed openly with medical professionals supervising your session and technicians performing the actual process themselves without delay.