Mammography

Mammograms performed to detect early breast cancer in women with no complaints is called screening mammography, in which usually 2 images are taken from both breasts from different angles. Diagnostic mammograms are used to diagnose breast diseases in women with symptoms such as a mass, nipple discharge, deformation or pain or abnormal results on a screening mammogram. Diagnostic mammography requires more images of the area in question. In some cases, special images known as magnification images are used to more easily assess an area of an abnormal breast tissue.

The radiation dose received from mammography devices produced in today’s is very low. The dose of radiation received from a mammogram scanning is as equal as to the dose of radioactive radiation we receive from our environment in a few months. Despite this, the quality control of the mammography device should be done regularly and the radiation doses should be measured and adjusted. Although this issue is controversial, oncologists state that the amount of radiation exposure during mammography is minimal and that the benefits of detecting breast cancer early outbalances any risks or side effects of radiation.

Mammogram result is evaluated with BIRADS category. The radiologist indicates in the report the risk classification for breast cancer . According to this result, the follow-up and treatment procedure is determined by the specialist.

During mammography, the breast is placed between two plates and pressed to flatten and X rays are sent. Mammography experience can be different for everyone. Some women may feel pain due to the pressing during the procedure, while others may not feel anything at all. The pain level will depend on the size of the breasts, the menstrual cycle of the patient when having the mammogram, the personal pain threshold or how the person is positioned during the procedure. However, the pain wil not be a permanent or long-term pain after the procedure. Since women’s breasts may be more sensitive due to their menstrual cycle, it is recommended to avoid having a mammogram one week before the menstrual cycle in order to prevent possible pain.

During mammogram the patient needs to be naked from waist to top, that is why it is recommended to wear a two-piece-dress to be able to take off only the top clothe. Deodorant, talcum powder, lotion should not be applied to the armpits as they may affect the image.

The patient is positioned by the technician according to the needed image, you can not seat.

After giving the right position to the patient for the mammography, the technician takes an image of the breast within a few seconds. This process might be a disconfort but it is only for just a few minutes. Screening mammography takes maximum 15 minutes but diagnostic mammography can last twice as long as this.

If there is no family history of breast cancer under the age of 40 or any other risk factor, mammography is not performed.

You can have a shower before a mammogram.