WHAT ARE MAMMOGRAPHY AND BREAST ULTRASOUND? WHO SHOULD HAVE A MAMMOGRAM AND WHEN?
Digital Mammography
In the digital mammography system, the image is created in a computer environment using an electronic detector instead of X-ray film. In our hospital, digital images are analyzed and evaluated on high-resolution monitors.
Digital mammography images of all our patients are archived in a computerized environment. In this way, comparisons with previous examinations can be easily made during annual checks.
Advantages of Digital Mammography
Contrast resolution is much higher than normal mammography. It provides a great advantage in detecting very early signs of breast cancer such as microcalcifications and small nodules. This advantage is especially important in women with dense and fibrocystic breast tissue. The radiation dose received by the breast tissue is much lower than normal mammography. The examination time is much shorter. After the digital images are obtained, they are sent to high-resolution monitors. The digital mammography images can be archived on a computer.
How is mammography performed?
Mammography is performed by a radiology technician after the patient is completely undressed from the waist up. Mammography, which is taken by squeezing the breast from the top and side, takes 15 minutes in total. Mammography can also be easily performed in women with silicone implants in the breast. There are implants in mammography devices and damage to the implant is prevented.
Are mammography and breast ultrasound harmful?
Mammography is a radiological method and X-rays are used during this examination. And the level of x-rays is quite low. There is no evidence that mammography, which does not cause any harm to the breast and the woman, causes breast cancer. Ultrasound examination, on the other hand, is completely harmless as it is applied only with the help of sound waves.
What are the preparations before mammography?
Mammography in pre-menopausal women is suitable for mammography after the end of menstruation. Mammography is not recommended due to edema in the breast tissue before menstruation. Not using deodorant is also among the recommendations before mammography screening.
From what age and how often should mammography be performed?
Mammography should be performed for screening purposes in completely healthy women from the age of 40. The aim here is to diagnose breast cancer as early as possible. If there is a family history of breast cancer, women should have mammography screening once a year before the age of 40. Women whose mothers had breast cancer before menopause should start mammography screening at least 10 years before the age at which their mothers were diagnosed with cancer...
