Everything you need to know about Mammography

When we talk about the second most common type of cancer affecting women, is breast cancer. Regular Mammograms can increase the chances of breast cancer detection early on. It will therefore become easier to treat this disease.

What is Mammography?

Mammography is the X-ray of your breast, and it helps in the screening for breast cancer. They detect tumors that are small in size for your doctor or you to feel. In addition, it can catch some early signs of breast cancer so that they can be treated easily.

Different kinds of Mammography

• Digital Mammography

It is called full-field digital Mammography. The x-ray film gets replaced by some electronics to convert x-rays into mammographic images of your breast. These systems are like those found in certain digital cameras, and the efficiency provides better pictures with a low dose of radiation. The radiologist transfers the breast images to the computer for long term storage.

• Computer-aided detection

These systems look for digitized Mammographic images to find abnormal areas of calcification, mass, a density that indicates cancer. The CAD system highlights these areas for the radiologist to assess the area.

Tips you need to follow before you get a Mammography

• If you have some choice, visit a facility that specializes in Mammography.
• Try to go to a particular facility so that you can easily compare your Mammography from year to year.
• If you are visiting for the first time, make sure to carry the dates and places of your biopsies and Mammography.
• Get your old records so that you can compare them to new ones.
• Schedule your Mammography when your breasts are not swollen or tender
• Do not apply perfumes, creams, lotions, powders, or deodorants, as these may appear in the form of white spots in your X-ray.
• You can wear pants or a skirt so that you can remove your bra and top easily during Mammography.
• You need to discuss any changes that have happened recently on your breast.
• Make sure to tell your doctor about your medical history.

Conclusion

If you require Mammography, you can reach out to Dr. Sumit Shah at Prolife Cancer Centre and Research Institute in Pune.

About Dr. Sumit Shah,