Mammography - Aarti Diagnostics

Mammography is an x-ray imaging method of the breast for the early detection of cancer and other breast diseases. It is used as both a Diagnostic and screening tool.

MAMMOGRAMS : SCREENING VS DIAGNOSTIC

Screening Mammograms : For patients with no symptoms of breast cancer.

Diagnostic Mammogram : For patients with symptoms or on follow-up.

How does it work?

A patient’s breast is placed on a flat plate and compressed with a parallel plate called a paddle. An x-ray machine produces a small burst of x-rays that pass through the breast to a detector which transmits electronic signals to a computer to form digital images called mammograms.

What is digital DR mammography ?

DR mammography also known as Full field Digital Mammography is an advanced technology where digital sensors are used to record the x-ray pattern passing through the breast. Few advantages of DR mammography include: Less time for image production , a better resolution easier to see finer difference in tissues, most importantly requires LOWER AVERAGE RADIATION. These machines are significantly costlier than conventional analog mammography units .

Breast Sonography or Mammography?

The addition of high resolution ultrasound increases the sensitivity of tumor detection in dense breasts. However , USG ALONE is not recommended after 35-40 years as many lesions may be missed. Only USG is recommended for pregnant & lactating women and younger patients.

Is Mammography painful ?

Yes mild discomfort is felt as the breast is compressed and it may be more immediately before or during your periods. Firm compression reduces blurring of the image ,reduces the radiation dose and improves the quality of the x-ray image. However pain is much less in a good quality machine and in the hands of a trained technician.

Are there risks in a Mammogram test ?

The benefits of regular mammograms outweigh the risks posed by the small amount of radiation. For e.g, a mammogram may reveal that a suspicious mass is benign and, therefore, doesn’t need to be treated. Additionally, if a tumor is cancerous and is caught early by mammogram, a surgeon may be able to remove it before it spreads and more aggressive treatment such as chemotherapy maybe avoided.

What is the preparation for Mammography ?

Mammography can be done anytime in the menstrual cycle, but the week after periods is the best time to schedule a mammogram. No preparation is required. Application of perfumes, powder & deodorants are to be avoided.

ARE THESE FACTS FOR REAL ?

Breast Cancer is the most common cancer in India .
27.7% of the all the new cancers detected in women in India in the year 2018 were breast cancers.
One women is diagnosed with breast cancer in India , every 4 minutes & one woman dies of breast cancer every 8 minutes.
An estimated 1,62,468 women were newly detected with breast cancer in India for the year 2018. A total of 87,090 women died of breast cancer in India, the second highest in the world for that year.
India has a predominant young population and hence the numbers of women being diagnosed with breast cancer in that age group is only going to increase.

Source: www.breastcancerindia.net