Mammography is an X-ray examination of the breast. It is prescribed to detect a tumor or to find out if it is benign or malignant.
How a mammogram is done
Pictures must be taken from different angles. Quite often it 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 is the best time to have a mammogram, you need to visit your doctor for a consultation. To carry out this procedure, one mammary gland must be placed on a flat surface that emits x-rays, then a compressor is pressed against it. This results in an excellent image of the breast tissue itself. Entering the office, you need to undress to the waist. Depending on the equipment that will be there, you will be asked to sit or stand near it. Digital mammography is a more modern method of breast examination. It allowsview the x-ray image on the computer monitor. This procedure is considered more accurate than conventional mammography. Where to do it, you can find out from a specialist doctor.
Getting ready for a breast exam
On the day when mammography is scheduled by the attending physician, you do not need to use deodorant, perfumes and creams on the chest and armpits. Such tools can interfere with a good view of the image. It is also necessary on the day when the doctor recommended to do a mammogram, remove all jewelry from the décolleté area. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, be sure to tell a specialist.
Why examine the breasts
Many women often ask questions about when to get a mammogram and what is it for? Here are the main reasons:
- detect breast cancer;
- diagnose existing neoplasms;
- watch a woman who has neoplasms;
- assess the condition of a woman who has any changes in her breasts.
This procedure should be done regularly. Many experts recommend doing it twice a year for ladies over 40.
Mammography results
If there are no changes in the image, this result is considered normal. Many neoplasms revealed 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, these arecysts;
- nodules that can be either benign or malignant;
- areas of dense tissue of various shapes;
- calcium deposits, which may be signs of cancer.
When to re-mammogram? 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.
Risks of breast exams
During this procedure, the level of radiation is quite low, so you should not worry about its danger. It is prescribed even for 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 proof that mammography is a safe procedure.
