MAMMOGRAPHY

WHAT IS A MAMMOGRAPHY?

Mammography is a specific type of Imaging that uses a Low-dose X-Ray system to detect early Breast Cancer in women who experience no symptoms. It also detects and diagnosis Breast disease in women who experience symptoms such as Lumps pain or Nipple discharge. Mammography plays a central part in early detection of Breast Cancers beacause it can show changes in the Breast upto 2 years before a petient or physician can feel them. Breast Cancer is one of the most common Cancer among women; the Breast screen Singapore recommends Breast screening for women aged 40 and above. Research has shown that Annual Mammograms lead to early detection of Breast Cancers, when they are most curable and when Breast-Conservation therapies are available.
While Mammography is the best available screening tool for Breast Cancer today, it does not detect all Breast Cancers. Also, a small portion of mammograms indicate that Cancer is present when it is not (called a false-positive result).

Types of Mammography

Film screen Mammography film screen mammography involves minimal Radiation exposure. A skilled technologist positions and compresses the Breast between 2 plates. Then a highly specialised X-Ray equipment takes 2 pictures of each Breast from 2 directions. Mildly uncomfortable for most women, Mammography can be painful for some. However, compression of the breast is necessary to flatten and reduce the thickness of the Breast, so that X-Ray beam penetrates as few layers of overlapping tissues as possible. Digital Mammography uses the same technique as Fiml Screen Mammography, except that the image is recorded directly into a computer. The image can then be enlarged or highlighted. If there is a suspicious area, your doctors can use the computer to take a closer look.

Preparation
Do not schedule your Mammogram for the week during your period if your Breasts are usually tender during this time. The best time for a Mammogram is 1 week following your period. Always inform your Doctor or Radiographer if there is any possibility that you are pregnant. Wear a comfortable 2-piece outfit. Do not ise deodorant, perfume, powder or ointment on the underarms or breasts. Bring along all your previous mammogram films so that it can be compared with your current film. You will be asked to fill in a questionnaire before the start of your Mammogram. Please ask the Radiographer if you are unsure of how to answer any of the questions.

How is a Mammogram performed?

The mammogram is performed by a speciality trained female Radiographer. In the procudure room, you will be asked to stand at the X-Ray machine. The Radiographer will position your breast in the Mammography unit. Your breast will be placed on a special platform and compressed with a Paddle (often made of clear Plexiglas or other plastic). You will feel pressure on the Breast as it is sqeezed by the compressor. Some women with sensitive breasts may experience discomfort. If this is the case, schedule the procedure when your breasts are less tender.

How often should I have a Mammogram?

Current guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human services(HHS), the American Cancer Society(ACS), the American Medical Association (AMA), and the American College of Radiology (ACR) recommend Screening Mammography every year for women, beginning at age 40. Research has shown that Annual Mammograms lead to early detection of Breast Cancers, when they are most curable and Breast-Conservation therapies are available.

Why is Breast Compression necessary?

It evens out breast thickness so that all of the tissues can be visualised. It spreads out the tissue so that small abnormalities won't be obscured by overlying breast tissue. It allows the use of a lower X-Ray dose since a thinner amount of Breast tissue is being imaged. It holds the breast still in order to eliminate blurring of the image caused by motion. It reduces X-Ray scatter and hence increases sharpness of the picture. The Technologist will stand behind a glass shield during the X-Ray exposure. You will be asked to change positions slightly between images. The routine views are a top-to-bottom view and an oblique side view. The process will be repeated for the other breast. The examination process should take about half an hour. When the Mammography is completed, you will be asked to wait until the Radiographer examines the images to determine if more are needed.

Benefits

Imaging of the Breast improves the detection of small tumors. When Cancers are small, there are more treatment options a cure is very likely.

Risks

The effective Radiation dose from a Mammogram is about 0.7 MSV, which is about the same as what the average person recieves from background radiation in 3 months. Women should always inform their Doctor or Radiographer is there is any possibility that they're pregnant.

False positive Mammograms

Five to 15 per cent of screening Mammograms require more testing such as additional Mammograms or Ultrasound. Most of these tests turn out to be normal.