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Mammography is an imaging technique that uses specialised X-rays for the detection of tumours and other abnormalities present in the breast. It is commonly employed either for screening purposes or as a diagnostic tool. A mammogram uses low doses of radiation that fall well within established safety thresholds. The advantages of mammography surpass the minimal risk associated with radiation exposure.
Pre-procedure: An experienced female radiologist will oversee the procedure and guide you through the process. You will have to remove your clothes from the waist above and wear a medical gown during the process. Moreover, any ornaments and jewellery above the waist are also removed.
Procedure: You will be made to stand in front of the machine, and your breast will be placed on a plate made of plastic, and compressed with a support plate. Scanning occurs while the breast is under compression, and the process is repeated for another breast. Multiple views are taken to gather a detailed evaluation of your breasts at various angles.
Mammograms are typically conducted either for screening purposes or when signs and symptoms are manifested that are associated with certain breast conditions, which is referred to as diagnostic imaging. Women over the age of 40 are prone to breast cancer, and screening is recommended as a part of routine health check-ups every one or two years. You will also be recommended to undergo a mammogram if:
You have a familial history of breast cancer. Your specialist will recommend a detailed imaging examination to see if any precancerous lumps or masses are present in the breast.
You exhibit any signs and symptoms such as lumps on your breast, nipple retraction and discharge, pain, and so forth. The presence of any lump during your mammogram will be confirmed with additional scans or biopsy.
A mammogram is often the primary imaging scan recommended by specialists when patients exhibit symptoms of breast-related conditions, including cancer. Common symptoms of breast cancer that you should be aware of are:
Presence of lumps, especially in the breast, under your armpits, and/or neck region
Persistent pain in the breast
Presence of abnormalities in the breast skin
Presence of certain infections or inflammations in your breast, such as ulceration and bruising
Severe itching and the presence of red and/or scaly texture in your breast
Combination of the above symptoms with weakness, unexplained weight loss, coughing, and chest pain
Your medical provider will provide you with personalised instructions regarding preparing yourself for the procedure. However, general instructions include the following:
Applying deodorant, perfume, or powder should be avoided, as it can interfere with your mammogram results.
Wear two-piece clothing, as the procedure involves removing the dress above your waistline.
If you are in menstruation or going through periods, the procedures may not be performed due to potential breast tenderness or swelling.
Obtaining your previous mammogram scans will enable your specialist to compare them with the one you are currently going through.
A mammogram is a completely non-invasive diagnostic procedure and does not require any invasive techniques. During the procedure, your breasts are compressed with a support plate, which could produce discomfort and sometimes pain for women. Your experience during the procedure depends on the size of the breast, and the level of compression required. It is essential to share your concerns with your specialist who is supervising the procedure, should you have any discomfort or pain.
Yes. Mammograms generally use a safe level of radiation dose to evaluate your breast. Mammograms are also safe for pregnant women and do not necessarily harm the foetus, although your medical health care provider would discuss any possible risks with you that may arise. Your doctor may advise delaying the procedure if you are pregnant, and do not exhibit any major symptoms related to breast cancer or other conditions.
Possible risks that may happen when you undergo a mammogram involve the following:
Overdiagnosis is when breast cancers are detected that never manifest any symptoms during a woman’s lifetime.
False positives, where a benign mass present in the breast mimics the appearance of cancer, suggesting the presence of malignancy (the ability of cancer cells to spread to other tissues). This could be due to an error in breast positioning, or misinterpretation.
The feeling of intense anxiety during the procedure.
Injury due to radiation.
If abnormalities are detected during your mammogram procedure, your specialist will further evaluate if the mass is benign or cancerous by suggesting advanced tests or imaging scans.
At Manipal Hospitals, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, other than standard 2D mammography, we also employ:
3D mammography, where three-dimensional images are produced to evaluate the size of the lump at layers.
Contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM), where the presence of a cancerous lump is confirmed with the help of a dye. The cancer absorbs the dye, aiding specialists in confirming malignancy.
Hologic Selenia dimension 6000 - The 2D/3D TN System, providing 2D and 3D mammography, stereotactic biopsy, and contrast-enhanced mammogram. The Hologic Selenia system provides a detailed visualisation of images, enabling specialists to give a precise diagnosis without the need for further tests.
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