Mammography is a diagnostic technique which uses specialized type of X-rays for the detection of breast abnormalities.
Mammography is a diagnostic technique which uses specialized type of X-rays for the detection of breast abnormalities. Mammography is usually routinely suggested to women having the chances or suspicion of breast cancer. There are various other conditions like lumps in breast, discharge, hardness in breast, unusual sensation etc. which can be detected through mammography. There are conditions like cysts, tumors or microcalcifications which cannot be detected through physical examination and caught through mammography. Early detection of the condition like breast cancer through mammography helps in easy and effective treatment of the condition. This technique also helps to improve the effect of treatment and higher the survival rate of the patient.
Mammography
Mammography is special test used to look for the abnormalities in the breast like cancer in the patient. This test is usually suggested for women having symptoms that can suggest any breast abnormality or suggested for routine checkup to remain aware about the condition. This tests helps to detect any unusual growth in breast, changes in breast, microcalcifications, cysts which cannot be detected through physical examination etc. This tests is designed to used specialized type of X-rays which helps to examine the breast and captures the images. These images are used for the detection of abnormality in the body.
Types of Mammography
There are mainly two types of mammography and both have their own specialty to detect the abnormality in the breasts.
1. Screening Mammography
This type of mammography is suggested by the doctor as routine checkup to look for any abnormality in breast. This can be done once in a year or two just for regular checkup without having abnormality or symptoms of breast cancer. This is usually suggested in women having age over 40 years and in women having the family history of breast cancers. This can be also suggested depending on various medical conditions, personal health issues and other conditions which can be the cause to trigger breast cancer.
2. Diagnostic Mammography
Diagnostic mammography is advised in the patients having the symptoms of breast cancer like lump, nipple discharge, and change in breast size etc. This test is used to do detailed study of breast from different angles with clear images which help in diagnosis of condition. This test is used to create magnified views of areas of concern to look for any type of abnormality or cancer. Early detection is important for the effectiveness of the treatment and avoids the spread.
3. Digital Mammography (2D and 3D)
This is the advanced and modern mammography done with modern machines for creating more clear images for easy detection of abnormalities. In this type of mammography images are stored electronically which helps to visualized the condition more effectively and better visualization for early detection of the abnormalities in breast.
- 2D mammography provides traditional flate images of the breast for diagnosis purpose.
- 3D mammography is also known as Tomosynthesis, which helps to create multiple images at different angles to create more detailed images by improving the quality of detection and reduces the chances of false positive.
Uses of Mammography
1. Early Detection of Breast Cancer
First and primary use of mammography diagnostic procedure is to look for breast abnormalities and more specifically breast cancer. Mammography is helpful in detecting lumps, cysts, reason of breast discharge, microcalcifications etc. This helps for effective treatment of the condition.
2. Evaluating Breast Lumps and Other Symptoms
Mammography is very vital diagnostic procedure used to look for the reason of breast lumps and other breast related conditions. It is also helpful to determine whether the tumor is benign or malignant.
3. Monitoring After Breast Cancer Treatment
Mammography is also used to look for the effect of treatment on breast. This diagnostic procedure is regularly used when a patient is going for breast cancer treatment.
4. Checking Breast Implants
After breast implants, mammography is constantly used to look for any type of surrounding abnormality in the breast. The test is used to monitor the effect of implant on the surrounding tissues and special techniques are used to reduce pressure on implants for clear viewing of the condition.
5. Guiding Biopsy Procedures
Mammography is also important and helpful before going for any biopsy procedure. This test helps to guide the biopsy procedures like stereotactic biopsy and other type of biopsy procedures for accurate site examination.
Benefits of Mammography
- Mammography is used to look for early detection of breast cancer before physical symptoms is seen.
- It helps in designing the early treatment, which can save lives.
- It is helpful in designing the effective treatment for breast condition.
- This diagnostic procedure is non-invasive hence painless.
- Mammography is fast and takes around 10 to 20 minutes.
- With latest machines and 3D images, the diagnostic procedure becomes more accurate.
- This test helps to reduce the mortality due to breast cancer condition.
- This helps to suggest which treatment procedure will be best for breast condition.
Mammogram Results Interpretation
There are findings which can be classified into various diagnostic interpretations using Breast Imaging Reporting Data System (BI-RADS) scale:
- 0: Incomplete – needs more images.
- 1: Normal.
- 2: Benign (non-cancerous finding).
- 3: Probably benign – short-term follow-up suggested.
- 4: Suspicious – biopsy may be recommended.
- 5: Highly suggestive of malignancy.
- 6: Known biopsy-proven cancer.
Tests used for Detection of Breast Cancer
- Mammography (Book Now)
- Breast Ultrasound (Book Now)
- Breast Cancer Package (Book Now)
- Breast Cancer AI Assisted Panel 4 (Book Now)
- Breast Cancer (BRCA) Genetic (Book Now)
Conclusion
Mammography is diagnostic procedure used to look for the conditions of breast abnormalities like breast lumps, breast discharge, change in breast shape etc. This diagnostic procedure is very helpful in detecting the condition even when symptoms have not appeared. There are various benefits of mammography like fast, accurate, non-invasive, painless etc. There are various types of mammography techniques like screening, diagnostic and digital mammography. Each type of mammography is used for specific purpose, which helps in detection of breast abnormalities. There are conditions like cysts, tumors or microcalcifications which cannot be detected through physical examination and caught through mammography. Early detection of the condition like breast cancer through mammography helps in easy and effective treatment of the condition. This technique also helps to improve the effect of treatment and higher the survival rate of the patient.
