What is mammography?
A mammogram is essentially an X-ray of the breasts and is specifically conducted to screen for early signs of breast cancer.
A mammogram is considered to be one of the best image diagnostic tools for early detection of breast cancer, sometimes, even up to three years before the lump is felt.
A mammogram is a vital breast screen tool for both women with no existing breast issues as well as for women with breast conditions, such as:
Breast pain
Mammography has been around for almost three decades. However, in the last 15 years, immense advancements have been made in the field of radiology, thus creating specialized digital breast cancer screening equipment for women.
These new machines provide high-quality images and greatly reduced radiation doses.
Digital mammography offers a more robust breast cancer screening, especially for women below the age of 50 and for premenopausal as well as postmenopausal women.
There are two main types of mammograms, namely:
Screening mammogram
This mammogram technique uses X-rays to screen for breast changes in women who exhibit no signs and symptoms of breast cancer. The procedure involves double X-rays of each breast to identify the presence of cancerous lumps. This mammogram is especially useful when a physical examination yields no results.
Diagnostic mammogram
Diagnostic mammography is a breast X-ray used to identify unexpected breast changes such as a lump, discomfort, nipple thickening or discharge, or a change in breast size or form.
Diagnostic mammography can also be used to assess abnormalities found on a screening mammogram. It is a fundamental medical tool that may be used in the evaluation of breast alterations regardless of a woman’s age.
