Mammography
Mammography is the best diagnostic imaging test available presently for detecting early breast cancer. The goal of a mammography exam is to detect very small abnormalities in the breast tissue before they develop into breast cancer. This is done by producing high quality images at an adequate radiation dose.
A baseline mammography should be done at the age 35, so that in future a normal x-ray can be used to compare if there is a suspected possibility.. Mammography for women between the ages of 40 and 50 should be as directed by physician. An annual mammography is must for women over the age of 50, and for most women who have suspicious breast lumps.
Conditions under which the test needs to be performed:-
- Breast cancer
- Breast infection
- Breast pain
- Nipple discharge
- Lumps in the breast
- Dimpling of the skin on one of the breasts
How does it work?
- The procedure can be uncomfortable and unpleasant. The tighter the breasts are squeezed, the more accurate picture is obtained. If possible, go for it after your menstrual cycle when your breasts are least sensitive.
- The standard mammography exam usually includes four exposures - two to each breast. The image of the breast is created with an adequate radiation dose. Adequate radiation doses are decided by a medical physicist evaluation.
Thus, the benefit from mammography in its ability to detect cancer early far outweighs the radiation risk from the exam.
How to prepare for the test :-
Do not apply any deodorant, perfume, powder or ointment under the arms or on the breasts on the day of the mammography. These substances may obscure the images. Flakes of talcum powder can show up as calcifications. Lotions can make the breast slippery. Remove all jewellry from your neck.
Why mammography not advised before the age of 30:-
- More years of radiation exposure to the breast may in turn promote a breast cancer.
- Physical pain from the breast compression during mammography.
- Anxiety of risk of a false alarm of breast cancer
- Unnecessary treatment of diagnosed lesions that are not life threatening.
What can you decipher from mammography results:-
Breast tissue that shows no evidence of aggregations of cells or any type calcification is considered normal. A well-outlined clear spot is likely to be a benign lesion, such as a non-cancerous cyst.
A poorly outlined, opaque area is more likely to suggest breast cancer. However, some cancers may appear well-defined. Sometimes, the doctor will use ultrasound or biopsy to further examine the abnormality and evaluate the next best step.
Remember:
Mammography does not cure cancer, but it can reduce a woman's risk of dying from breast cancer by detecting a tumor when it is more easily treated.
Even a pregnant woman can get a mammograpy done.