Mammography is an x-ray examination of the breast. It is prescribed in order to identify a tumor or to find out if it is benign or malignant.
How is mammography done?
Pictures must be taken from different angles. It often happens that the patient needs to come again for an additional examination. But do not immediately think about breast cancer. It's just that the doctor needs to carefully look at those parts of the chest that he did not see for the first time. To find out when it is most convenient to do a mammogram, you need to consult a doctor. For this procedure, one mammary gland needs to be placed on a flat surface that emits X-rays, then a compressor is pressed against it. Thus, an excellent image of the breast tissue itself is obtained. Having entered the office, you need to undress one by one. Depending on the equipment that will be there, you will be offered to sit down or stand near it. Digital mammography is a more advanced method of breast examination. It allows you to view the x-ray image on a computer monitor. This procedure is considered more accurate than conventional mammography. You can find out where to do it from a specialist doctor.
Getting ready for breast examination
On the day when a mammogram is prescribed by your doctor, you do not need to use deodorant, perfumes and creams on the chest and armpit areas. Such tools may interfere with a good view of the image. It is also necessary on the day when the doctor recommended doing a mammogram, remove all jewelry from the neckline. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, be sure to tell a specialist about it.
Why examine the breast
Many women often ask questions about when to do a mammogram and why? Here are the main reasons:
- detect breast cancer;
- to diagnose existing tumors;
- observe a woman who has neoplasms;
- assess the condition of a woman who has any changes in her chest.
A similar procedure should be done regularly. Many experts recommend doing it twice a year for those ladies whose age exceeds 40 years.
Mammography Results
If there are no changes in the image, this result is considered normal. Many of the neoplasms identified during the examination are benign, and women should not worry about this. Pay attention to the following points:
- spots of the correct form, as a rule, are cysts;
- nodules, which can be either benign or malignant;
- areas of dense tissue of various shapes;
- calcium deposits, which can be signs of cancer.
When to do a mammogram again? A doctor who has doubts after examining your results may schedule another day for you. You will have to come to the procedure after a certain time, appointed by a specialist.
Breast Examination Risks
During this procedure, the level of radiation is quite low, so do not worry about its danger. It is prescribed even to pregnant women. The abdomen is simply covered with a special blanket so as not to harm the child by exposure to radiation. This is further evidence that mammography is a safe procedure.