Mammography is used to identify early breast cancer in women who don’t have any indications and to identify and treat breast disease in women who have signs like a nipple tumor, pain, or discharge.
Mammography is essential in cancer detection because it can notice abnormalities in the breast up to two years before the patient or doctor in the mammography screening clinic in Boise sees them.
At the front of the apparatus, the patient, clothed in a gown, stands. The adequately trained technician at the mammography screening clinic will help her get into the correct position so that her breast does not shift during the study. One arm is elevated, and the breast is resting on a particular platform provided by the apparatus. The breast will next be compressed with a plate gradually and gently by the technology. She might be a little unsettled.
It takes about 5 minutes to complete the exam. The technician will follow you behind the device for the exam.
One view from top to bottom and one angled to the side are the standard perspectives for each breast.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF COMPRESSING THE BREAST?
Divide the density of the breasts evenly so that all breast tissue is visible, including tiny anomalies that may be obscured by dense breast tissue. Because thinner tissue is being scanned, allowing for the employment of a low-dose radiation approach. To avoid fuzzy photos, keep the breast steady.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO TO GET READY FOR THE EXAM?
The optimal time for a mammogram is the week following menstruation, not the week before your period because your breasts are most delicate at that time.
On the day of the exam, resist using antiperspirant, talcum, or lotion on your armpits and breasts.
You must bring all mammograms and breast ultrasounds to the exam from the last two years.
RISKS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS
Mammography is a painless and safe procedure. The effective radiation dosage is around 0.7 mSv, about the same amount of radiation received in three months of regular everyday activity.
However, you must tell the technician or doctor treating you if you are pregnant, as even low-dose radiation might harm the embryo or fetus.
If you have skin sores or wounds, you should wait for them to heal before starting this study.
BIOPSY OF THE BREAST
A breast biopsy is a process that involves removing a small sample of breast tissue with a specific needle. A high-tech microscope is used to examine this sample to establish or rule out breast cancer definitively.
Breast biopsies are only done if mammography or a breast ultrasound indicates that the tumor is malignant. Despite this, the majority of biopsies reveal that the breast is cancer-free.
MAMMOGRAPHY TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS:
- Conventional mammography
- Mammography using Direct Digital Mammography
- 3D tomosynthesis is the most cutting-edge technology for detecting breast cancer.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF IT?
Screening mammography: Mammography is the gold standard for early breast cancer detection. It can detect breast abnormalities for up to two years before a doctor or patient can notice them.
Diagnostic mammography is used to analyze a patient who has discovered an abnormality in their breasts, such as nodules or lumps. It may also be used to look more closely at a suspicious spot following abnormal screening mammography.