Define is Mammography, Types of Mammography, contraindications and results.

 

Define Mammography, Types of Mammography, contraindications, and results.

Mammography

Define mammography:

Mammography is a diagnostic and screening procedure that involves the use of low-energy X-rays to scan the human breast. Mammography is used to diagnose breast cancer in its early stages, usually by detecting distinctive lumps or macrocalcifications.

Mammography is an x-ray method for examining the mammary glands. Mammography is usually carried out on the prescription of a doctor, but it can also be carried out during mass preventive examinations.

Types of mammography:

There are various mammography options available today. A film is used to do traditional diagnostics. It is almost never utilized in current medical institutes since it produces the largest rate of errors.

Computed mammography:

Computed mammography can be used to diagnose:

• node in areas inaccessible for palpation;

• with cancer with a high density of education;

• if it is necessary to detect bone metastases

Ultrasound mammography:

Ultrasound Mammography is known for its excellent efficiency, yet the results can be incorrect in specific cases:

While looking at young women with thick breast tissue,

Diffuse type mastopathy,

 Alterations caused by inflammatory processes

Mammography via MRI:

The most precise method that does not rely on radiation. The only disadvantage is the hefty price. With the use of a contrast agent, the study can be completed.

 

Mammography using electrical impedance:

A contemporary approach based on current conduction qualities in diverse tissues. The difference between healthy and diseased areas in terms of conductivity is large.

Contraindications:

• pregnant and lactating women;
• with damage to the skin on the chest and nipples;
• in the presence of implants;
• at the age of less than 35 years;
• after termination of pregnancy within six months

 The most recent advancement in this discipline is digital diagnostics, which replaces X-ray film with fixed detectors that transform radiation into an electrical signal. The final image can be viewed on a computer screen or printed.

Why is a mammogram done?

Mammography is performed to evaluate the formations in the breast (identification by the woman herself or the doctor during the examination) and to rule out/confirm a malignant or benign neoplasm of the breast.

How to prepare for mammogram:

Patients are concerned about the question: when is it better to do an examination?

To make the study as effective as possible, you need to take into account some rules and know on which day of the cycle you should be examined:

• when making an appointment, please note that the study should be performed a week after menstruation or later;
• take with you the results of previous studies;
• two days before the procedure, exclude coffee, caffeine and energy drinks;
• do not use cosmetics on the day of the procedure - the chest and armpits should simply be washed;
• let the radiologist know what is bothering you.

  IMPORTANT TO KNOW!!!

·     Mammography is recommended to be performed in the period from 5 to 10 days of the menstrual cycle.

·     During pregnancy, the examination is not performed!

·     Breast implant patients require a doctor's referral and an implant certificate!

Te first mammogram should be done at the age of 40, and after 50 it should be done at least once a year -depending on the results of the previous mammogram! The results of all mammograms must be saved!

How often should a mammogram be done?

·    Women after 35 years of age should perform mammography annually if a family history of hereditary breast cancer was observed - many relatives of the first and second degree suffered from endocrine tumors at the age of younger than 40-50 years!

·       Women over 40 should have a mammogram every two years!

·       Women 50 to 69 years of age in a government funded breast screening study - with a letter of invitation  from the National Health Service - the screening is FREE!

Good to know:

·         Women under 40 years of age and patients who have a health insurance policy need a doctor's referral for a mammogram examination;

·         Women over 40, without an insurance policy, do not need a doctor's referral.

• After examination

• The images obtained during mammography are evaluated by a radiologist, who issues a detailed description and conclusion. You can get it within a week. In urgent cases - immediately after the examination. 
• The results of diagnostic mammography are evaluated by one radiologist.
• Mammography results from a publicly funded screening program are always evaluated by two radiologists.

Is mammography dangerous?

No. The radiation exposure during mammography is significantly lower than during lung radiography (several times). Regular examination does not increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Mammography is contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation 

 
How is the research going?

To perform an image, the mammary gland is placed on the surface in front of the tube of the apparatus. With the help of the second strap, the mammary gland is slightly pressed down (the study is painless), after which a picture is taken. Pictures are taken in two projections, which allows subsequently to accurately determine the location of the pathological formation.

Then the radiologist deciphers the pictures and gives his opinion.

When should you get a mammogram?

In the absence of complaints and diseases of the mammary glands, the first mammography is recommended after 40 years. It is also recommended to conduct this study once at the age of 35 to 40 years. From 40 to 50 years old, it is necessary to undergo an examination once every two years. After the age of 50, it is necessary to undergo a mammogram every year. In the presence of diseases of the mammary glands (mastopathy, benign and malignant tumors, etc.), a doctor prescribes mammography.

What determines the quality of research?

The quality of the study depends on the quality of the equipment, the modernity of the mammography, the processing machine and the film used, and, of course, on the qualifications and experience of the radiologist and the X-ray laboratory assistant.

The mammalogical office of the Medical Unit No. 9 is equipped with a modern PLANMED SOPHIE device of the latest generation, which allows for a full X-ray examination of the mammary glands with high resolution. Photochemical processing of the exposed film is fully automated and carried out in a CODAK processing machine.

Why is mammography needed in combination with ultrasound?

 The advantage of ultrasound is that it allows you to visualize all areas of the breast, including those located near the chest wall (hard to reach for x-rays) The use of ultrasound in combination with mammography increases the accuracy of diagnosis, especially when examining young women whose breast tissue is characterized by a higher density.

Breast diseases remain a serious problem for the female population, because. Breast cancer ranks first in the incidence structure and its frequency continues to grow. The equipment of the department allows for mammalogical examination in one visit.

What results can I get?

The doctor analyzes all the results of the image according to BIRAD system. This system helps to standardize all the finds in the image into categories from 0 to 6.

·     0 category. Some error has occurred. The image turned out to be of poor quality, due to the fact that you moved during the procedure or shadows turned out in the picture. You need to get a mammogram again.

·     1 category. Normal tissue without changes.

·     2 category. Benign neoplasms - lipomas, fibro adenomas and more. Such findings are marked on the chart to help clinicians compare mammogram histories.

·     3 category. The masses are most likely benign, but active monitoring is required. This means that you will most likely have to do more mammograms.

·     4th category. Probable malignancy. Additional research needs to be used.

·     5th category. High probability of malignancy.

·     6 category. Already confirmed malignancy.