Limbic 365Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among women worldwide, accounting for about 30% of all cancers in women. In the United States, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer. However, with early detection and treatment, the survival rate of breast cancer is high. Mammography is a crucial tool for early detection of breast cancer. In this article, we will discuss mammography, how it works, and its benefits.
What is Mammography?
Mammography is a type of imaging test that uses low-dose X-rays to produce images of the breast tissue. The images produced by mammography are called mammograms. Mammograms are used to detect breast cancer in its early stages, before any symptoms are visible. Mammography can detect lumps that are too small to be felt by hand, and it can also detect changes in the breast tissue that may indicate the presence of cancer.
How Does Mammography Work?
During mammography, the breast is compressed between two plates, and an X-ray machine takes pictures of the breast tissue. The compression of the breast is necessary to produce clear images and to minimize the radiation exposure. The mammogram images are then examined by a radiologist, who looks for any abnormalities in the breast tissue.
Benefits of Mammography
Mammography is a highly effective tool for early detection of breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, mammography can detect breast cancer up to two years before a lump can be felt by hand. Early detection is essential because it allows for early treatment, which can increase the chances of survival. Mammography can also detect small lumps that may not be felt during a clinical breast exam.
Interpretation of mammogram
The interpretation of mammogram results is typically categorized as normal or abnormal. The following table provides a summary of the normal interpretation of mammogram results:
| Mammogram Interpretation | Description |
|---|---|
| Normal | No suspicious masses or calcifications are seen on the mammogram. The breast tissue appears to be within the expected range for the patient’s age and breast density. |
| Benign finding | A benign (non-cancerous) finding, such as a cyst or benign calcification, is present on the mammogram. Additional follow-up or imaging tests may be recommended to monitor the finding. |
| Suspicious abnormality | An abnormality is present on the mammogram that requires further investigation to determine if it is cancerous or not. Additional imaging tests, such as ultrasound or MRI, may be recommended, or a biopsy may be needed to obtain a tissue sample for further analysis. |
It is essential to note that an abnormal mammogram does not always mean that cancer is present, but it does require further investigation to rule out or confirm the presence of cancer. Regular mammography screenings can help detect breast cancer at an early stage when it is most treatable.
FAQ
Who should get mammography?
The American Cancer Society recommends that women with an average risk of breast cancer start getting mammograms at age 40 and continue to get them annually. Women with a higher risk of breast cancer may need to start getting mammograms earlier or get them more frequently.
Is mammography painful?
Mammography can be uncomfortable, but it should not be painful. The compression of the breast can cause discomfort or a feeling of pressure, but this should only last a few seconds.
What if my mammogram is abnormal?
If your mammogram is abnormal, you may need further testing, such as a breast ultrasound or a breast MRI. An abnormal mammogram does not necessarily mean that you have breast cancer. Further testing is needed to determine the cause of the abnormality
How long does the mammogram procedure take?
The mammogram procedure takes about 20 minutes.
Are mammograms accurate?
Mammograms are a valuable tool in the early detection of breast cancer. However, no medical test is 100% accurate, and there is a small risk of false positives and false negatives.
