Understanding mammography, including procedure and preparation functions

Mammography test is one way to detect various problems or diseases in the breast, including breast cancer. So, how is this procedure done? Who should do a mammography examination? Check out the reviews below.

What is mammography?

Mammography (mammography) is a procedure that uses X-rays or low-dose x-rays to take pictures of breast tissue. This examination test is done to detect any abnormal growths or changes in breast tissue, including to detect the presence of cancer.

Mammography is a very beneficial procedure for women, especially those with risk factors for breast cancer. However, this examination procedure cannot prevent breast cancer.

Mammography aims to save lives by detecting breast cancer as early as possible. The sooner the mammography is done, the easier it will be to treat and even cure the cancer, so it will avoid severe cancer conditions.

When is a mammography required?

Mammography is necessary if you feel a lump in the breast, changes in shape, skin, nipples, or other symptoms of breast cancer, after performing a breast self-examination (BSE) and clinical examination by a doctor. In this condition, mammography is needed to diagnose the problem.

However, generally you need another breast cancer screening, such as an MRI, biopsy, or breast ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis, whether cancer-related or not.

In addition, mammography can also be done even if you don't feel any symptoms in your breasts. In this condition, mammography is needed to early detect the presence of tumors or cancer cells that may not be felt.

Early detection by mammography needs to be done by all women, especially those with risk factors for breast cancer, both high and average risk.

For women who have a high risk of developing breast cancer, screening mammography can be started before the age of 40 years. Consult with your doctor when is the right time for you to start screening mammography and how routine it should be done.

However, in general, the American Cancer Society recommends that mammography screening should be started in women aged 40 to 44 years. It is at this age that mammography can detect if there is an abnormal breast in a woman.

Then, at the age of 45 to 54 years, women need to have a mammography test every year. Only at the age of 55 years and over, mammography tests can be done every 2 years. However, for those who wish to continue the inspection once a year, it is fine.

Some experts argue that routine mammography testing can stop at age 74 years and over. The reason is, older women, namely over 75 years, are not proven to have a potential cancer risk. Thus, doing mammography at that age is no longer useful.

It is important to understand, the risk of breast cancer increases with age. That is why all menopausal women should have regular mammography. But actually, when should you start getting mammography, how routine should it be, and when to stop, need to be discussed with your doctor.

Things that need to be considered before undergoing mammography

Before undergoing mammography, you should pay attention to the things below so that you are better prepared for it and the results are more optimal:

• Choose a hospital or health center that is trusted in doing mammography.
• Choose the same mammography facility every time you check it so you can easily compare it from year to year.
• Consult a doctor. Tell your doctor your symptoms and medical history and the results of previous mammograms (if any).
• Schedule your mammography test one week after your period is over, when your breasts are normal. Because, the breasts will feel more painful or swollen during the week before or are menstruating.
• Do not use deodorants, antiperspirants, lotions, creams, or perfumes on your armpits or breasts on the day of the exam. These materials become visible during the screening procedure and cause confusion.
• Use a button-up top or shirt to make it easier to remove during the inspection.

Please note, mammography is a procedure that sometimes causes pain or discomfort in your breasts. However, don't worry, this is only temporary and not all women will feel it.

Tell your doctor or mammography technician if you have this. Your doctor may consider giving pain medication about an hour before the procedure.

In addition, it should be noted that pregnant and lactating women are not allowed to do mammography because X-ray exposure can harm the baby and fetus in the womb.

How is the process of screening mammography?

During your mammography, you may be asked to stand or sit in front of a specially designed X-ray device or machine. Your breasts will then be placed on the X-ray scanner screen, then a compressor consisting of two plastic plates will press down on your breasts.

This is done to get a clearer picture of your breast tissue. In addition, you may have to hold your breath each time you take a picture, according to the technical's instructions.

During the procedure, the doctor will check the resulting image that is displayed on the scanner screen. The doctor may ask a radiology technician to take additional images if the results are unclear or require further examination.

The entire procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes. After that, you can get dressed and resume normal activities.

What do the results of the mammography test mean?

Mammography results are called a mammogram. Generally, you will receive a mammogram within 30 days of the test.

On a mammogram, dense breast tissue will appear white in color, while low density fat tissue will appear gray. The presence of tumor cells will also be shown in white, just like dense breast tissue.

In mammography, several possible conditions are found, namely:

• Calcium deposits (calcification) in ducts and other tissues.
• A mass or lump in the breast.
• Asymmetrical area on a mammogram.
• A solid area that appears on one side of the breast or a specific area only.

Some of the calcifications found are benign, such as fibroadenomas. However, irregular and large numbers of calcifications can be suspected as cancer, so generally require an additional mammogram with enlarged images.

Meanwhile, areas of solids usually indicate glandular tissue or cancer. Therefore, further tests are needed to confirm it, such as a breast biopsy.

What are the risks and side effects of mammography?

Mammography is indeed useful for early detection of breast cancer. However, this type of examination also has its risks, side effects, and limitations. Here are the risks, side effects, and limitations of the mammography test:

• Exposes you to radiation, even at low doses.
• Mammography isn't always accurate.
• Mammography in young women is difficult to interpret, because the breasts in young women are denser.
• Sometimes other screening tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis.
• Mammography cannot detect all cancers. Some cancers detected on a physical examination may not be visible on a mammogram because they are too small or in an area that is difficult to see on a mammography.
• Not all tumors found by mammography can be cured. Certain types of cancer are aggressive and spread quickly to other areas of the body.

Difference between mammography and thermography

Unlike mammography, thermography is a test that uses a special camera to measure the temperature at the surface of the breast skin. This test can detect the presence of cancer, because the growth of cancer cells is associated with the formation of blood vessels and excessive swelling of the breast tissue.

The area of ​​the breast affected by cancer usually has a higher temperature which will be detected through a thermography procedure.

Mammography and thermography are both capable of detecting breast cancer. However, thermography is not a substitute for screening mammography.

Thermography is used as an early detection material for breast cancer, while mammography is used as a follow-up diagnosis after thermography. Therefore, experts recommend mammography as the main breast cancer screening procedure.

Always consult with your doctor about the right type of examination according to your condition.

Tips for assisting people who undergo mammography

Mammography procedures sometimes cause concern for those who will undergo it. Therefore, if you are trusted to assist people who will do mammography, you can follow the tips below:

• Find basic information about mammography.
• Choose a trusted mammography examination site.
• Keep calm.
• Make sure that mammography is the right step.