Mammography imaging
According to statistics, breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among women. Therefore, it is recommended that women over forty undergo mammography imaging once a year. This regular examination can help identify cancerous masses and tumors in their early stages and, through effective treatment methods, play a significant role in improving and eliminating tumors. Early detection of cancerous masses through the imaging process can greatly contribute to increasing treatment success and patients’ quality of life.
This method uses radiographic images to identify changes and abnormalities in breast tissue that are not yet palpable. Below are some important reasons for undergoing mammography:
Early Detection of Breast Cancer: The imaging process can detect cancerous changes up to ten years before they grow large enough to be felt. This feature aids in early diagnosis and more effective cancer treatment.
Reduced Need for Extensive Surgeries: If breast cancer is detected in its early stages, breast-conserving surgeries become possible. These types of surgeries are not only less invasive but also yield better cosmetic outcomes.
Prevention of Disease Progression: Early detection through imaging can prevent cancer from advancing to more severe and widespread stages. This reduces the need for more intensive treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
More Accurate Breast Tissue Evaluation: Compression of the breast between two plastic plates during mammography helps spread the tissue evenly and produces clearer images. These detailed images allow physicians to examine small, suspicious abnormalities with greater precision.
Safety and Low Risk: Mammography uses low-dose X-rays, and the risk of radiation-induced cancer from this procedure is very low. However, individuals with a family history of breast cancer or a past history of radiation therapy should consult their doctor about the risks and benefits of the imaging process.
Short-Term and Tolerable Discomfort: Breast compression during the imaging process may be slightly uncomfortable but is usually not painful, and any discomfort is temporary. Most women tolerate the procedure well, overlooking minor discomforts due to its long-term benefits.
Given the importance of early detection and the effective role of imaging in preventing and treating breast cancer, regular screening based on medical recommendations is essential.
The best time to have a mammogram
For women who have not yet reached menopause, choosing the right time for mammography can provide a more comfortable experience and yield more accurate results. During different phases of the menstrual cycle, breast tissue undergoes changes that can affect sensitivity and comfort during the imaging process.
Suggested Timing:
The best time to undergo mammography is immediately after the end of the menstrual period or about one week after its start. During this period, breast tissue is at its least sensitive, making the compression process in the imaging device much less painful and uncomfortable.
Reasons for Choosing This Time:
Reduced Pain and Discomfort: During this timeframe, due to reduced swelling and sensitivity of breast tissue, the pressure from the imaging plates is felt much less, minimizing pain and discomfort.
Higher Accuracy in Results: Breast tissue is in a more stable and suitable state in terms of density and structure during this period, which can lead to clearer images and more accurate results. This helps physicians identify and interpret breast abnormalities with greater precision.
Consideration of Hormonal Changes:
Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can affect breast tissue. Therefore, choosing the right time for mammography can help reduce the negative hormonal effects on images and diagnostic accuracy.
Additional Tips:
Before the imaging process, inform your doctor about which phase of your menstrual cycle you are in so that an appropriate time for the test can be scheduled.
If you have reached menopause, you can undergo imaging at any time of the month, as monthly hormonal changes no longer affect breast tissue.
Choosing the optimal time for mammography not only helps reduce pain and discomfort but also improves the accuracy and quality of results, which is crucial for early detection and effective treatment of breast cancer.
Digital mammography
Digital mammography is an advanced method for detecting cancerous tissue in the breast that utilizes digital technology for imaging. This technique is not only more accurate than older methods but also provides higher-resolution images, enabling radiologists and physicians to focus on smaller cancerous details and provide appropriate treatment.
Image Accuracy and Resolution:
Digital mammography, due to its use of digital imaging processes, produces high-resolution images that can be examined more precisely through computer systems.
Speed of Examination:
The imaging process in digital mammography takes only a few seconds, whereas traditional methods may require about 5 to 10 minutes for results to be ready.
Easy Storage:
Images produced in digital mammography can be easily stored and displayed on computers. This allows physicians to examine the images accurately without loss of detail.
Reduced Radioactive Dose:
Digital mammography reduces the radioactive dose by approximately 25% compared to traditional methods, as each image captures multiple smaller images of breast tissue.
By using digital imaging, it plays a significant role in the early detection of breast cancer and offers the potential for improved treatment outcomes. This technology, by integrating digital technology with high imaging precision, provides physicians with an advanced tool for better monitoring and faster treatment.
How to perform a mammogram
Mammography is a specialised imaging process performed to examine and detect abnormalities or masses within breast tissue. Below is a complete explanation of the steps involved in this procedure:
۱. Initial preparation:
Upon arriving at the Nasl-e-Farda Genetic Clinic, you will be asked to complete the necessary forms and may need to wait for your appointment. Afterwards, you will be given a special gown to wear, and all jewellery or metallic objects must be removed.
۲. Proper positioning:
The mammography device consists of two parallel plates. You will stand in front of the machine, and one of your breasts will be placed between the two plates. As the plates come closer together, the breast is gently compressed to obtain clearer and more accurate images of the tissue.
۳. Imaging process:
At this stage, the radiologist or imaging specialist will ask you to hold your breath for a few seconds. This helps keep the breast stable so that clearer X-ray images can be captured. The specialist may also reposition the breast to take images from different angles.
۴. Duration of the procedure:
Several factors affect the total time of a mammogram, including:
Completing forms and waiting for your appointment
Time required to change into the special gown
Time needed to properly position the breasts in the machine
In general, the entire process, from preparation to leaving the clinic, usually takes around 30 to 40 minutes.
۵. Preparations before mammography:
Informing your doctor about pregnancy: If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you must tell your doctor or radiologist, as X-rays can be harmful to the foetus. In such cases, an ultrasound is usually recommended instead.
Medical conditions: Inform your doctor if you have recently received a vaccine, have breast implants, or have a history of breast cancer.
Timing: It is best to avoid scheduling a mammogram during your menstrual period or the week before it, as breast tissue is often more sensitive and may cause discomfort.
Avoiding interfering substances: Before the test, take a shower and avoid using deodorants, perfumes, lotions, or body powders, as these may affect the quality of the images.
Diet and medication: On the day of your exam, follow your normal diet and take your prescribed medications as usual.
Mammography is a safe and effective tool for the early detection of breast cancer. By following these steps and recommendations, you can help ensure the most accurate results possible.
Risks of mammography
X-ray radiation during mammography is often a source of concern for many women. Some avoid undergoing this important examination out of fear of radiation exposure. However, a closer look at the actual radiation dose and the differences between various mammography techniques can help ease these worries.
Radiation dose differences in mammography types:
The level of radiation emitted in traditional, analogue, and digital mammography varies. With technological advances, the radiation dose has been significantly reduced. Digital mammography, due to its more advanced techniques, uses a lower dose of X-rays, resulting in less exposure to the body.
Safety and risks:
Concerns about developing cancer from mammography-related radiation are generally unfounded. Numerous studies have shown that the radiation dose received during mammography is very low—roughly equivalent to the natural background radiation absorbed from the environment over the course of a year. In digital mammography, this dose is even lower.
Reducing concerns:
There is no need to be afraid of the radiation exposure you receive during mammography. The likelihood of cancer caused by this radiation is almost impossible. This imaging technique uses the lowest possible dose of X-rays while providing highly valuable information about breast health, which can be crucial for the early detection of breast cancer.
Preventive measures:
To further minimise concerns and enhance safety, it is recommended to:
Share your full medical history with your doctor before undergoing mammography.
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
Opt for more advanced imaging techniques, such as digital mammography, which use a lower radiation dose.
Given the extremely low radiation levels involved and the significant benefits of mammography in the early detection of breast cancer, this examination is strongly recommended as a safe and effective method for protecting women’s health.
Mammography during pregnancy
Mammography, as an imaging method that uses low-dose X-rays, is generally not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. However, in certain situations where the physician suspects visible abnormalities or a lump in the breast, the test may be performed with caution and under special considerations.
Mammography during pregnancy:
During pregnancy, mammography is only performed when absolutely necessary and with the approval of the attending physician. The primary concern is protecting the foetus from any potential radiation exposure. If the doctor suspects a lump or abnormality, they may prescribe the test after weighing the risks and benefits. In such cases, special protective measures are taken to minimise any possible risks and ensure the safety of both mother and baby.
Mammography during breastfeeding:
In the breastfeeding period, milk accumulation in the breast glands and increased breast density can interfere with the accurate detection of abnormalities. For this reason, mammography is not recommended during this time. To ensure more precise results, it is best to perform the test at least three months after breastfeeding has ended. This allows the breast tissue to return to its normal state, making it easier to detect any abnormalities with greater accuracy.
Considerations and recommendations:
Always consult your doctor before undergoing any imaging during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and provide full details about your health status.
If imaging is necessary during pregnancy, special protective techniques—such as using lead shields—should be applied to reduce radiation exposure.
During breastfeeding, if you experience concerning symptoms, consult your doctor, and if necessary, have the mammogram after the breastfeeding period has finished.
By taking these precautions and consulting with specialist physicians, it is possible to maintain the safety of both mother and child during pregnancy and breastfeeding while ensuring breast health is effectively monitored.
Mammography in breasts with implants
Mammography in individuals with breast implants requires special care and attention. Because prosthetic tissues are more sensitive, they may be at risk of damage or rupture when compressed in the imaging device. Therefore, mammography for patients who have undergone cosmetic breast surgery or mammoplasty must be carried out with specific precautions.
Key points for mammography in breasts with implants:
Special techniques: Radiology technicians use specialised methods to adjust the implants and minimise pressure on them. This allows for accurate imaging of the breast tissue without causing harm to the implants.
Informing the doctor: Before the imaging procedure, it is essential to inform both your doctor and the radiology technician about the presence of implants. This information helps them choose the most appropriate imaging techniques.
Checking implant health: Ensure that the implants are intact before undergoing the procedure. If there is any rupture or damage, the compression from the device may cause substances inside the implants, such as silicone or saline, to leak into the breast tissue.
Pain and discomfort: Patients with breast implants may experience more pain or discomfort during mammography compared to those without implants. However, this discomfort is usually temporary and subsides once the procedure is complete.
Risk of implant deformation: There is a very small chance that implants may change shape or feel softer after the procedure. Nonetheless, such changes are rare, and in most cases, implants remain unaffected.
To ensure both safety and accuracy in imaging for patients with breast implants, mammography should always be performed under the supervision of a specialist using appropriate techniques. When necessary, consulting with your doctor and conducting preliminary assessments can help reduce risks and improve the reliability of results.
final word
Mammography is one of the most important tools for the prevention and early detection of breast cancer. By using advanced technology and low-dose radiation, it enables the identification of breast lumps and abnormalities. This test is especially recommended for women over the age of 40 and can play a vital role in improving treatment outcomes and increasing recovery rates in the event of breast cancer.
Ultimately, by undergoing timely imaging and following medical advice, you can take a significant step towards safeguarding your health and preventing serious illnesses. Your health is your most valuable asset; by protecting it, you can secure a brighter and healthier future for yourself.
At Nasl-e-Farda Genetic Clinic, with professional consultation and imaging services provided by top specialists in the country, and with the most advanced and modern equipment, we are here to support you on this path and protect your health.
Frequently asked questions
Are prenatal genetic screening tests recommended for all pregnant women?
Mammograms are recommended after age 40 because of the increased risk of breast cancer in this age group. Breast tissue stabilizes at this age and there are fewer hormonal changes, making early detection of cancerous lumps particularly effective.
How often do mammograms and ultrasounds need to be done?
Mammograms and ultrasounds vary depending on the doctor’s recommendation and individual circumstances. Some people should have these tests once a year, others once every two years, and in certain cases, every six months, so that regular monitoring of breast health is optimized.
Is the radiation received during mammography dangerous and can it cause breast cancer or irritate breast tissue?
The amount of radiation from a mammogram is very low and does not usually cause cancer. You can receive a certain amount of radiation each year. However, if you are exposed to high levels of radiation during early pregnancy, it can harm your baby.
If I have breast cancer, do my children also need to have mammograms?
Yes, if there is a family history of breast cancer, your doctor may recommend that your children also undergo this test. However, it is advisable to consult your doctor and it is better to have them do other imaging tests such as ultrasound or MRI if necessary.
Does the pressure of a mammogram damage breast tissue?
Mammography compresses the breast tissue by compressing it, which helps improve image quality and detect small lumps more accurately. This compression also helps reduce the radiation dose received and does not cause any damage to the breast tissue.
