Mammography

Why the Mammography Test is Performed?

Mammography is performed to screen healthy women for signs of breast cancer. It is also used to evaluate a woman who has symptoms of breast disease, such as a lump, nipple discharge, breast pain, dimpling of the skin on the breast, or retraction of the nipple.

Screening mammograms test help improve the detection of early breast cancer, when it is more likely to be curable.

• Most but not all organizations recommend women for breast cancer screening at age 45 and have repeat mammograms test every 1 to 2 years
• All women over age 50 should have a screening mammogram every 1 to 2 years

Women who have or had mother or sister with breast cancer should begin yearly mammograms earlier than the age the family member was diagnosed. Breast ultrasound may also be used to screen women at high risk.

In addition to mammography, clinical breast exams (the health care professional checks the breasts using the fingers) and monthly breast self-exams are often recommended.

• Women aged 20 and older should have a clinical breast exam every 3 years
• Women aged 45 and older should have a clinical breast exam every year

These are general recommendations for mammography, clinical breast exams, and breast self-exam. Women should discuss with their personal health care provider how often to receive breast cancer screening, including mammography and clinical breast exam. Recommendations vary depending on personal risk factors such as a strong family history of breast cancer.

What are the Types of Mammograms?

According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI):

• Screening Mammogram:- A screening mammogram is a breast X-ray used to identify breast changes in women who have no symptoms of breast cancer. Mainly it involves two X-rays of both breasts. it is possible to diagnose a tumor that cannot be felt, using a mammography test.
• Diagnostic Mammogram:- A diagnostic mammogram is a breast X-ray used to diagnose unusual breast changes, such as breast pain, a lump, nipple thickening, or discharge, or a change in breast shape or size. It is also used to measure abnormalities detected on a screening mammogram. It is a basic medical test and is appropriate in the workup of breast changes, regardless of a woman's age.

Tips for Getting a Mammography/Mammogram

• Some female wear a top with a skirt or pants, instead of a dress. You will need to undress from your waist up for the mammography.
• On the day of your mammography, don’t use perfume, deodorant, or powder on your body. Otherwise, these can show up as white spots on the X-ray.
• Try to avoid mammography test the week before you get a period or during the period. Because your breasts may be tender or swollen then.