Mammography or mammography is an X-ray examination that aims to give an image of the breast for early diagnosis of breast cancer. This examination plays an important role in the early diagnosis of breast cancer and contributes to reducing the number of deaths as a result of it around the world.
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| Mammography |
During the examination, the breast is compressed between two hard surfaces, in order to increase the area of tissue and better image it, then the received x-ray is used in order to form a clearer and more comprehensive idea about the condition and in order to identify the changes that occur in the tissues that may be suspected of being cancerous. .
When is the examination performed?
Mammography is done in order to diagnose breast cancer in the relatively early stages and as an exploratory examination among women in general, especially during the years when there are no symptoms or early signs of disease, as well as in order to diagnose cases in which there is a suspicion of the presence of a cancerous tumor, for example:
Note the presence of a solid mass during the manual examination.
The appearance of bloody discharge from the nipple.
The appearance of changes in the skin.
Feeling of pain in the breast.
The recommended age for starting the examination and the frequency of examinations changes according to the surrounding environment, the category to which the woman belongs, and the degree of risk and likelihood of developing breast cancer. Two years, but there is no comprehensive agreement on this matter among specialists.
The at-risk category
It is recommended that women whose families have witnessed cases of breast cancer start undergoing mammography examination at an early age. There is no complete agreement between specialists on the age at which it is desirable to start conducting examinations or the frequency of examinations, and therefore this decision is left to the doctor’s considerations. Therapist and the patient together.
Women who carry the BRCA 1/2 gene are recommended to start with MRI scans, not mammograms, because it is more accurate and because these women are about 10% more likely to develop breast cancer than other women.
Diseases that can be detected by mammography
The various tumors that can be detected by radiographs include the following:
Carcinoma in situ.
Invasive cancer.
Polyps.
Cystic diseases of the breast.
How to perform the examination
There is no need for any special preparations before the mammogram examination, but due to the possibility of feeling discomfort or some pain due to pressure on the breast during the examination, it is possible to take pain relievers about an hour before the examination in order to overcome the pain that may occur, and the clothes must be removed and the jewelry removed And jewelry for the upper part of the body before starting the examination.
during examination
The examination is carried out according to the following steps:
The woman being examined stands in front of a mammography x-ray machine.
The breast is placed on a hard surface approached by another flat and they press together on the breast until its area is expanded and the tissues are sufficiently distributed. This pressure does not cause any harm, but it may be somewhat annoying. If you feel a lot of discomfort, you must inform the technician who performs the examination matter.
X-ray imaging of the breast from several sides until an integrated image is obtained, then the ball is repeated with the other breast. The examination takes about 30 minutes and escorts are not allowed to enter the examination room for fear of exposure to radiation.
How is a mammogram done?
after examination
There are no restrictions or special instructions for post-examination, all the risks that may be associated with this examination relate mainly to exposure to radiation for a short period and a small amount.
The problem with mammography examination is that it is not always accurate, and that the degree of accuracy depends on the experience and expertise of the person performing the examination, as well as the various normal changes that may occur in tissues that may raise suspicion of cancer and lead to a misdiagnosis, or that it may be inattention For such changes, despite their presence, so that the doctor cannot diagnose the presence of a cancerous tumor early.
Analysis of the results
The radiologist gives his written answer in which he decides if he has noticed any changes in healthy breast tissue, which would raise suspicions of unhealthy consequences, such as:
solid blocks.
calcareous deposits.
A defect or deformation in the tissues.
Areas of unilateral dense tissue.
Changes that may have occurred since the previous examination.
Breast lumps can be benign or malignant, so they require additional testing for diagnosis, especially a biopsy.