Mammography

Mammography is a non-invasive diagnostic method that produces a breast image with X-rays. The device used to perform this test is called a mammogram. Recording takes about 30 minutes.

INDICATIONS / WHY IT IS DONE?

There are two purposes for which the mammography is done:

1. Screening mammography – mammographic examination of breasts for women who have no problems or changes in breast. The aim of this mammographic examination is to detect a malignant tumor of the breast at a stage when neither a patient nor a doctor can spot or trample it (palpatory examination).

Recommendations for performing screening mammography:

• It is recommended that you do the first mammography between the age of 40 and 45. After that, it is recommended that you do mammography every second year with regular annual surgeon examinations and ultrasound examination of the breast.

• It is not recommended that you perform a mammographic examination before the age of 40 (except in special cases) because of the hormone activity of the breast tissue is very dense, X-ray absorption is high and mammograms are not of great use. Therefore, for younger women, ultrasound of the breast is more appropriate diagnostic and more helpful than mammography.

2. Diagnostic mammography – mammographic examination of breasts for women who have a problem or in which a certain change was observed with palpatory examination of the breast or by ultrasound imaging.

HOW IT IS PERFORMED?

• A radiologist will put you in a position that allows you to record each breast separately. It is recommended that you stand still and do not move while recording. The radiological technician may at some point ask you to hold your breath briefly in order to further reduce the possibility of blurred image

• After placing the breast in the correct position (this can cause short-term inconvenience) the radiologist includes a mammography device that records the breast. The mammography device is in the form of a rectangular box containing a tube in which x rays are created. A device is attached to the device that adheres to and presses the breast and sets it so that the recording can be done from multiple sections (multiple directions).

POTENTIAL RISKS

• Radiation (x-ray dose) that you are exposed to during a mammographic examination does not put you at risk and does not lead to serious complications.

• Mammography does not always give accurate and reliable results. This method is not able to detect all types of breast cancer.

• For younger women it is sometimes difficult to interpret the findings of mammography. Doctor can propose an additional examination if he spots some change in the breast tissue.

PREPARATION

• You need to take a shot for 7-10 days from the first day of your period (if you are not in the menopause). It is not recommended to do this during menstrual bleeding because the breasts in this period are the most sensitive.

• Do not put deodorant under the armpits, perfume, talc, lotion, milk for the body (affect the clarity of the mammographic image) on the day of the examination.

• If you are pregnant or suspected of pregnancy, report to the medical staff (because recording can damage the fetus).

• Bring all your previous medical records (if any).

AFTER MAMMOGRAPHY

You can return to your usual daily activities.