Mammogram is an imaging method used to examine breast tissue and detect potential abnormalities. It utilizes radiation to provide a detailed view of the internal structure of the breast, playing a crucial role in the early detection of breast cancer. This procedure is recommended for women aged 40 and over and is vital for maintaining breast health when performed regularly.
Mammogram is conducted using low-dose X-ray beams and is generally painless. However, some women may experience brief discomfort during the procedure. The results are evaluated by a radiologist, and if necessary, further tests may be recommended for a more comprehensive assessment. This method is not only effective in detecting breast cancer but also in diagnosing other breast conditions, increasing the chances of early intervention.
Diseases Detectable by Mammogram:
- Breast cancer (especially early-stage cancers and ductal carcinoma in situ- DCIS)
- Fibroadenomas (benign breast tumors)
- Cysts (fluid-filled sacs)
- Tissue changes (abnormalities in the breast tissue)
- Calcifications (calcium deposits within the breast tissue)
- Papillomas (small benign tumors within the breast ducts)
What is a Mammogram?
A mammogram plays a crucial role in the early detection of breast cancer by providing a detailed image of the breast tissue using low-dose X-rays. Regular breast examinations are an essential step in maintaining breast health. A mammogram is recommended for women aged 40 and over and should be repeated at intervals advised by a physician.
The formation of a lump in the breast can be a concerning situation for women. In such cases, a mammogram is one of the most effective diagnostic methods. Although most palpable lumps in the breast are benign, technological imaging methods help determine the nature of these lumps. In early-stage breast cancer, a mammogram can detect cancer cells before they spread further, allowing treatment to begin earlier.
The mammogram results are examined and evaluated by expert radiologists. These results provide important information for physicians to determine whether there is any abnormality in the breast and whether further tests are needed. If the results are normal, this means that there is no cancer or other serious diseases in the breast. However, if there is a suspicious finding, the physician may request additional tests or a biopsy. Therefore, breast screening is critical for maintaining breast health and detecting potential diseases at an early stage.
How is a Mammogram Performed?
During the procedure, a mammogram is conducted using a specialized machine where each breast is gently compressed between two plates. This compression helps flatten the breast tissue, allowing for clearer images of any potential abnormalities. The procedure usually takes only a few minutes and may cause mild discomfort, but this feeling is typically brief.
Steps of the Procedure:
- Preparation: The patient is taken to the procedure room and asked to undress from the waist up. The patient is positioned comfortably in front of the mammography machine.
- Breast Positioning: Each breast is placed between two plates of the mammography machine, which gently compresses the tissue, helping to obtain clearer images.
- Imaging: The mammogram machine uses low-dose X-rays to capture detailed images of the breast tissue. Several images are taken from different angles for each breast.
- Examination and Evaluation: After the imaging is complete, the obtained images are reviewed by a radiologist.
- Additional Tests: If any abnormalities are detected, further tests may be conducted to gather more information.
A mammogram is one of the most effective methods for detecting breast cancer in its early stages. Signs of breast cancer can be identified using this method, allowing for earlier initiation of the treatment process. If further information is required after a mammogram, additional imaging tests such as a breast ultrasound may be requested. A breast ultrasound is especially useful for women with dense breast tissue and is preferred for examining the nature of lumps in the breast more closely.
Mammograms are generally not performed before the age of 40 because younger women tend to have denser and more glandular breast tissue. This density can lead to less clear mammogram images, making it more difficult to detect small tumors and potentially leading to false-negative results.
For women in this age group, alternative methods such as a breast ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be more appropriate. However, in cases with a family history or other high-risk factors, a doctor may recommend breast screening at an earlier age.
Before undergoing a mammogram, several important factors should be considered. Firstly, it is crucial not to apply deodorant, perfume, lotion, or powder to the breast and underarm areas as these products can appear as calcifications on the mammogram images, leading to inaccurate results.
Additionally, it is important to share any previous breast screening results and other breast imaging tests with the doctor. Wearing comfortable, easily removable clothing is recommended, and it is essential to follow any instructions provided by the healthcare professional carefully.
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that getting a mammogram can trigger cancer. A mammogram uses low doses of radiation to capture images of breast tissue, but the amount of radiation used is considered within safe limits.
The risks associated with radiation exposure are extremely low and are far outweighed by the benefits of detecting breast cancer at an early stage. Regular breast screening is recommended as it allows for the early diagnosis and treatment of cancer, which is crucial for improving outcomes.
