What is Mammography?

Mammography test is a specific type of imaging of the Breast that uses X-rays of low dosage for the early detection of the breast sancer.

What is a 3D Mammography?

Creation of the 3-dimensional picture of the breast using X-Rays is called the Digital Tom Synthesis.

What are the 3D Mammography Pros and Cons?

There is a difference between a standard Mammogram and digital Tom synthesis of the Breast. The way CT scan of the chest is different from the standard X-Ray; similarly, the standard Mammogram is different from the 3D-Mammogram.

In Mammogram, two X-Rays of the same breast are taken from two different angles. One angle includes top to bottom and second includes side to side. Two glass plates are used to hold the breast that has been pulled away from the body and is compressed. This is done to view the whole breast. The pictures get recorded in the film in case of a regular Mammogram but the pictures get recorded on the computer in case of a digital Mammography.The radiologist reads the images captured by the computer. The irregular white areas appearing denser than the most of the healthy tissues of the breast reflect breast cancer.

Is mammography painful? What are the restrictions of a mammogram?

a. During Mammogram the compression of the breast is done which is quite uncomfortable and hence sometimes mammography procedure is painful. Certain women do not get this test done because they hate the uncomfortable feeling they get because of this test.

b. Overlapping of the breast tissue can happen because of the compression. Breast cancer can get hidden because of this overlapping.

c.Only one picture of the entire breast gets taken in Mammograms. This picture of the breast is taken in two directions- sides to side and top to bottom.

Pros of 3D Mammography

These three big issues of Mammogram are overcome by Digital Tom synthesis. Multiple X-Ray pictures of each breast are taken from various angles. The position of the breast is the same as in the conventional methodology but a bit of pressure is applied so that the breast remains in a stable position while the procedure is being done. 11 images of the breast are taken within seven seconds. This happens because an X-Ray tube moves around your breast in an arc. This information is sent to a computer that assembles the images so that clear, 3-dimensional images of the breast can be produced.

Cons of 3D Mammography

In 3-D Mammograms, your body receives twice more radiation as compared to the traditional Mammograms. Radiation in itself is a major cause of Breast Cancer.

How effective are the results of Digital Tom synthesis?

The results of Digital Tom synthesis are extremely promising. Researchers are of the opinion that this technique will make seeing of the breast cancer easy in breast tissues that are dense. This will also make the screening of the breast comfortable.

What do the results of the Mammography reveal?

Mammography interpretations can be very useful in your diagnosis. Black and white digital images of your breast tissue can be seen by the radiologist on the computer screen. These images are interpreted by your radiologist who hands over a written report comprising his findings to your doctor. Mammography results make the doctor look for the conditions requiring further testing.

Some of the possible findings are as-

•         Lumps or masses
•         Dense areas visible only on one breast or else on a specific area
•         Asymmetrical areas
•         New dense area that’s visible now but wasn’t visible earlier
•         Deposits of Calcium on tissues or duct

What are the side effects of Mammography?

The following are the Mammography side effects-

You are exposed to the radiation of low dosage- Since the dosage of the radiation is very less therefore, for certain women the advantages may be more than the risks.

Mammograms aren’t very accurate-the skill, the experience and the usage of the technique by the radiologist decide the accuracy of the procedure used. The density of the breast and the age of the person can lead to false positive or false negative results.

Interpretation of Mammograms  on young women may be difficult-younger women’s breasts comprise of more glands and ligaments as compared to the older women, therefore, the dense breast tissue may hinder the exact diagnosis of the Cancer. With age, the tissue of the breast becomes fattier having less glands. This makes it easier to detect the Cancer.

Additional testing may be a requirement after the Mammogram-About ten percent of all the Mammograms may need an additional testing. Additional testing includes certain imaging tests like a Biopsy (removal of the tissue of the breast for getting it tested at the laboratory) or an ultrasound.

What are the guidelines for Mammography Test?

These screening guidelines are prescribed for adults to be able to detect breast cancer-

•         Women aged 40 to 44-If women wish their breast to be screened for cancer; they should get their annual breast screening                 done.
•         Women aged 45 to 54-should get their Mammograms done every year.
•         Women aged 55 and more-should either get yearly screening done or should get their Mammograms done after every two                   years.
•         If the women have good health, they should regularly get their breast checked.
•         All the women should be made aware about the advantages, the limitations and the potential risks associated with the                        screening of the breast.
•         Certain women have a family history of breast cancer or may have genetic tendency of getting breast cancer. Such women                should get their MRI done along with the Mammogram. You can refer to your health care provider for suggesting you the best            breast screening plan for you.