About Mammogram

Purpose: Mammography is primarily used for breast cancer screening in women who have no symptoms of the disease. It can detect small tumors or growths in the breast that may not be felt during a physical examination. Procedure: During a mammogram, the breast is compressed between two plates, and X-rays are taken from different angles. Compression helps spread out the breast tissue, making it easier to detect abnormalities and reduce the radiation dose required. Types of Mammograms: There are two types of mammograms: screening mammograms and diagnostic mammograms. Screening mammograms are routine exams performed in women without symptoms to detect breast cancer at an early stage. Diagnostic mammograms are more detailed and performed when there are signs or symptoms of breast disease, or to further investigate abnormalities found on a screening mammogram. Benefits: Mammography is an important tool for early detection of breast cancer, which can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment and survival. Regular screening mammograms can detect cancer before symptoms appear, making treatment more effective and less invasive. Limitations: Mammography is not perfect and has limitations. It may miss some cancers or produce false-positive results (abnormalities that turn out to be benign). Dense breast tissue can also make it more challenging to interpret mammogram results accurately. Guidelines: Screening mammography recommendations vary among different countries and medical organizations. Generally, guidelines suggest regular mammograms starting between the ages of 40 and 50, and every one to two years thereafter. However, individual recommendations may vary based on personal risk factors and medical history. Supplementary Tests: In some cases, additional tests such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be recommended to further evaluate suspicious findings on a mammogram or in women with dense breast tissue.