Mammography: A quick insight into the Test

Mammography: A quick insight
into the Test
In simple terms, Mammography or Mammogram is the x-ray of the breast to detect any
abnormality. It is one of the major procedures used to detect breast cancer. Mammography is one
of the important tests suggested for preventive care, if someone has a family history of breast
cancer. To a greater extent, this procedure along with clinical exams and self-breast exams has
helped in early detection of a breast tumor and its treatment.
Breast cancer is one of the major cancer types resulting in female mortality all over the world.
Through, this test, an early detection of the disease is possible for treatment initiation on time.
Women should be aware of this procedure so that they can opt for it as a preventive measure.
However, clinical advice and suggestions are always there, encouraging women to go for this test
yearly in normal conditions.
When is a Mammography suggested?
Mammography is suggested as a routine check-up for prevention or to the people having a family
history of breast disease. In other cases, it can also be suggested for symptoms like lumps in the
breast, tenderness of the breasts, nipple discharge, dimpling or puckering. For any lump in the
armpits as well, a mammography test can be advised.
Types of Mammography
1. Screening Mammogram: It is done for a routine check-up when several x-rays of each breast
is taken. The purpose of this test is to ensure that no abnormal changes are there in the breast.
For any findings, further medical coo-relations are suggested.
2. Diagnostic Mammogram: For lumps or any other specific symptom of breast cancer in the
female, several x-rays are taken to view the breasts from different positions. These are called
diagnostic mammogram and they are extensive than the screening mammogram. Even symptoms
of breast cancer in men require a diagnostic mammogram.
Preparation for Mammography:
On the day of the screening, an adequate mammogram preparation is needed. One should not
apply deodorants, body powders, perfumes or ointment to the breasts. They might look like
calcification and distort the image. Make sure to inform your doctor if you are pregnant or
breastfeeding. Also, inform your doctor if you are having any breast implant. During the procedure,
discuss any breast symptom with the radiologist performing the x-ray.
Procedure of Mammography:
On the day of the process, you would be asked to remove the clothes up to the waist. Any
necklace or jewelry should also be removed. Then a gown would be provided by the facility to be
put on before the process starts. Based on the facility of the specific radiology center, you might be
asked to stand or sit for the x-ray. An x-ray plate is put against the breast and compressor pushes
the plate to flatten the tissue. This helps in getting the clear picture of the tissues. The process
might feel a little discomforting but it is temporary and quite usual.

While the process continues, the doctor keeps on viewing the images as they get ready. If there is
anything unclear, multiple images would be requested. The radiologist might need to take more
images from different angles for a better view. Especially among the women under age 50 whose
breasts are denser, a number of images are needed.
The Use of Digital Mammograms
Digital mammograms are quite popular and in-use these days due to the efficiency it offers. In this
process, the x-ray images are directly loaded on to the computer where they are developed
instantly. It does not take much time and hence enables the doctors to view the images quickly and
suggest if more images are needed. The process of digital mammograms has reduced the time
taken to diagnose. Not only this, the digital images are clearer than the regular x-ray images and
gives better clarity on the existing condition.
Complications or Side effects of Mammography:
There are no major associated complications with a mammogram test, as the exposure to the
radiation is very less. However, for a nursing mother, care should be taken to perform the x-ray
with a lead apron. Also, the benefit of detecting the disease at an initial stage through the test after
observing the signs & symptoms of breast cancer outweighs the risk associated with the radiation.