Detection of breast cancer: mammography

Detection of breast cancer: Mammography

In this article, we are going to find out about the methods of the detection of breast cancer: mammography

Use of mammography in early detection of breast cancer

Mammography is a type of X-ray that helps to diagnose breast disease.

scientists have invented this method about 30 years ago and have facilitated the diagnosis.

And also improved the treatment results of patients due to early diagnosis of the disease.

What should be noted is that the risks of X-rays hitting the breast in this way are very small and can be ignored.

In fact, the benefits of early detection with this method far outweigh the potential risks,.

Because on the one hand the amount of X-rays that penetrate the tissues is very small.

And on the other hand, the amount of radiation needed to cause cancer is much higher than the radiation.

It is irradiated to the breast by mammography.

Even if a woman in her 40s and 90s has a mammogram every year, the amount of radiation she receives is less than what is needed to cause breast cancer.

Using this method as an early detection method, doctors can detect breast cancer before it becomes a palpable mass.

The use of mammography for early detection has reduced breast cancer mortality by 30%, especially in those over 50 years of age.

detection of breast cancer, mammography

Who gets a mammogram?

radiologists are mainly performing mammography on two groups of people:

• Patients with any of the symptoms of breast disease (symptomatic patients)
• Healthy women

In symptomatic patients, the radiologist is performing mammography in the following cases:

• Investigation of a single and suspected mass of cancer
• Examination of a mass with indeterminate borders that we cannot consider as a mass
• Examination of bloody discharge from the nipple
• and Examination of nipple changes, including nipple sores or ulcers
• Also in patients who have had breast cancer before

Mammography is necessary to examine both breasts to examine the opposite breast and in patients who have had breast-conserving surgery.

Examination of large and fatty breasts in patients whose breast size prevents a thorough breast examination.

At the discretion of the radiologist, other items are available for mammography.

In healthy women, mammography is an early detection method.

In this way, radiologists perform a basic mammogram at the age of 35-39 and then from the age of 40 onwards.

It is better to perform a mammogram annually so that if there is a cancerous mass in the breast in the early stages, it can be detected.

Mammography is also necessary for healthy people.

And the recommendation to have a mammogram on a woman does not mean that she has cancer.

Very important point:

Mammography in women under 30 years of age has no diagnostic value and is not in the best interest of the patient.

Except in rare cases where the surgeon has detected a suspicious lesion in the breast.

Standard mammography stereotypes and additional stereotypes

A stencil or mammogram gives a black and white image of the breast.

But the important thing is that like “fingerprinting”, you cannot find two people who have exactly the same mammograms.

And therefore the difference in the photos taken in different people before interpretation by the radiologist.

And the surgeon, should not cause concern in patients.

Even the presence of a mass on a mammogram does not mean the presence of cancer.

Because the characteristics of these masses can be very different.

In other words, sometimes the presence of a completely benign mass such as a breast cyst is misinterpreted as cancer by a person who does not have sufficient medical knowledge and skills to interpret the stereotype.

Sometimes it is possible that areas that are natural and overlapped in the photo look like a suspected area.

In these cases, the radiologist will determine this and request an additional stereotype or magnification from the area.

Also, in cases where calcium deposits are seen on mammography, a magnifying glass should be performed to better diagnose its type.

An extra stencil may be needed to further examine some areas of the breast and there is no evidence of a suspected or cancerous mass.

So do not be afraid in such situations

More standard mammography stereotypes and additional stereotypes

Never interpret the mammography stereotype yourself or ask anyone other than an experienced radiologist or surgeon to interpret it for you. This can sometimes lead to unnecessary worries and sometimes unrealistic reassurances.

Because the mammogram image is unique to each person.

In cases where the radiologist feels the need for further examination of an area of ​​the breast.

What will help him or her more than anything else is to compare this stereotype with previous stereotypes.

He is ill and therefore it is necessary to provide a radiograph of the previous mammogram for a better and more accurate report each time he visits.

What should be paid special attention to is that mammography cannot prove the presence or absence of cancer in the breast.

This method gives only an estimate of the actual situation.

Therefore, whenever a mass suspected of malignancy radiologist reports in mammography.

It is necessary to perform one of the types of sampling (with surgery or with a needle, etc.) for the patient to examine the cells with a microscope and by a pathologist.

Hope to find this article helpful about the detection of breast cancer: mammography.

Author: Maryam Shiani

SEO editor: Samane nobakhti