Digital Mammography
Digital mammography, which is performed using low doses of radiation, is a radiological diagnostic method that allows detailed examination of female breast tissue. Mammography is a radiological method used in the early diagnosis of possible differentiation at the cellular level in breast tissue, as well as in the presence of a mass in the breast, it is also used to examine the size and type of the mass.
Digital Mammographi
Studies show that one in eight women worldwide is at risk of breast cancer. However, approximately 90% of patients diagnosed with breast cancer at an early stage recover completely. At this point, mammography is the best diagnostic method that increases the chance of success of the treatment and enables the cancer to be treated without allowing it to spread to other tissues of the body. Mammography is actually the process of taking an X-ray film of the breast tissue. During this procedure, the breast is placed between 2 layers of the mammography device that performs x-ray imaging and is compressed a little. The image of the breast tissue is then transferred to the computer environment by giving a low amount of x-rays to the breast tissue.With the examination performed by the physician, it is understood whether there is an abnormality in the breast tissue. Thanks to mammography, which is accepted as the gold standard in the diagnosis of breast cancer, small masses or differences in the breast are quickly recognised. Under normal conditions, it takes approximately 2 years after the presence of a mass in the breast tissue is detected in the mammography film to notice a mass in the breast tissue during self-examination. Therefore, even if there is no family history of breast cancer, it is recommended that every woman should have a mammogram once a year from the age of 40 for control purposes or, in other words, for screening purposes. Screening mammography is a control screening procedure that is performed to eliminate any possible risk, regardless of any symptoms or complaints.Thanks to screening mammography, the loss of life due to breast cancer has decreased significantly in the past 20 years. Diagnostic mammography is performed in the presence of clinical complaints in order to understand the character of the lesions in the breast tissue. In other words, if a person notices visual symptoms such as discolouration, presence of wounds, redness, orange peel-like appearance, proliferation and prominence of veins, and nipple retraction in the breast area, she/he should immediately consult a specialist physician and have a mammogram. In addition to visual symptoms, if the patient notices physical symptoms such as the presence of a mass in the breast tissue, hardness, swelling during self-examination, she should consult a specialist physician against the possible risk of breast cancer.
How is Mammography Performed?
People consult a physician for routine screening or if they notice any symptoms of breast cancer in their breasts. After the physical examination, the physician orders a mammogram for additional radiological imaging. During the mammography procedure, the patient stands naked from the waist up. The breast to be imaged is placed between two layers known as the imaging unit. The breast is compressed between the two layers and the internal tissue is visualised using X-rays. Before and during the procedure, the mammography technician reminds the patient to breathe and hold her breath and to remain still during the scan. After completing the scan in a very short time, the other breast is switched to and the procedure is repeated. The images obtained by mammography are analysed by the technician. If there is a problem such as blurring due to movement during the shooting, the procedure is repeated. Therefore, it is important to stay as still as possible during the scan. During the mammography procedure, it is normal to feel a feeling of discomfort as the breast tissue is slightly crushed between the two layers to improve the quality of the image. This procedure also allows dense breast tissue to be separated and possible masses to be detected. The following preparations can be made to minimise discomfort:People who have not reached the end of their reproductive age or, in other words, menopause, can have a mammogram in the first days of their menstrual period, as their breasts are less sensitive. Since all clothes above the waist are removed during mammography, it is preferable to wear clothes that can be easily removed, as it shortens the total procedure time. Since products such as deodorant, powder, cream, etc. on the breast area and the armpit area close to the breast area cause the appearance of calcium deposits, which in some cases cause the mammography procedure to be repeated, it may be useful not to use these products before mammography.