What is a Mammogram? How is it Done?
Mammography is the process of taking an X-ray image of the breast tissue using a low dose of X-rays. Your doctor may want to perform a mammogram even if you don't have any symptoms. This is called screening mammography. It is also a detection method used when you have symptoms such as lumps or pain in the breast. It shows whether there is any abnormality in the breast tissue. This is called diagnostic mammography. Breast cancer accounts for 14% of all cancers detected. Therefore, mammography screening for early diagnosis is important.
How is a Mammogram Done?
A mammogram is performed with a special X-ray machine. You stand in front of the machine and place your breast onto it. The breast is held in place and a slight compression is applied by the machine. These steps are repeated for both sides to obtain a side view of the breast. To ensure that the mammogram is taken properly, the person taking the X-ray may ask you to wait. However, you won't receive any information about your test during this waiting period.
Mammography Procedure for Pregnant Women
Before deciding to undergo a mammogram, if you are breastfeeding or pregnant, you may need to inform your doctor. It is also recommended not to have a mammogram one week before or during your period. During these times, your breasts may be more sensitive, and the mammography procedure may cause discomfort. If you have implants in your breasts or have recently received a vaccine, you should also inform your doctor about these situations.
Preparation Before Mammography
There is a preparation stage before undergoing a mammogram, which can be outlined as follows:
- There are no restrictions on eating or drinking before the mammogram. Therefore, you don't need to be fasting before the mammogram.
- On the day of the mammogram, avoid using products such as perfume, lotion, or powder. These cosmetic products can distort the accuracy of X-ray images.
- Before going for the mammogram, try not to wear one-piece garments like dresses. This is because there should be no clothing above your waist during the procedure. You will be provided with a gown at the mammography facility.
What to Pay Attention to During the Mammography Procedure?
During the mammography procedure, there are points to consider, similar to preparation for mammography. The steps to be followed during the mammography procedure are as follows:
- You need to remove all clothing and jewelry above your waist. A dressing room and gown will be provided for you to wear at the mammography facility. After removing your clothing and jewelry,
- you will need to stand in front of the mammography machine. The technician there will ask you to place one breast at a time onto the plate.
- When you place your breast on the plate, the technician will operate the machine to compress it and compress your breast between plastic. This compression process may last for 3-5 seconds, and you may feel discomfort and pressure during the procedure. If the pressure seems unbearable, you can inform the technician.
- While your breast is compressed, the machine will take the mammogram.
- This process is repeated for both breasts.
- Afterward, when the technician indicates that the procedures are complete, you can get dressed in your clothing and jewelry.
Types of Mammography
There are two types of mammography: 2D digital mammography and 3D digital mammography (tomosynthesis). 2D digital mammograms use X-rays to create images of the breast. Typically, this type includes at least two images of each breast taken from different angles. In tomosynthesis, each breast is compressed once. It allows for clearer visualization of breast tissues compared to the other type. Tomosynthesis has been shown to detect even low-grade breast cancers. Considering its ability to detect the smallest cancerous tissues, tomosynthesis becomes a better option for both screening and diagnosis purposes.
Evaluation of Mammography Results
When evaluating mammography results, there are criteria numbered from 0 to 6.
- BI-RADS category 0: Indicates that the radiologist may have seen abnormal tissue but requires special imaging such as diagnostic mammography or ultrasound for evaluation. It may also indicate the need to compare with previous mammograms to observe any changes in the breast area.
- BI-RADS category 1: Indicates that there are no significant abnormalities requiring reporting by the radiologist. No masses or other findings are present in the breasts. In this case, the result is negative. BI-RADS category 2: Indicates that the radiologist may visualize benign and non-cancerous cysts, lymph nodes in the breast. In such a result, your findings are recorded for comparison with future mammograms.
- BI-RADS category 3: Such a result can only be given in a diagnostic mammogram. Here, there is a 98% chance that benign tissues are present. However, since it cannot be determined whether they are malignant or benign, mammography may be repeated at intervals.
- BI-RADS category 4: This result can only be given from a diagnostic mammogram. It means that the finding(s) in the test may be cancerous. A breast biopsy may be performed to confirm. Results in this category are categorized as low, intermediate, and high likelihood of cancer.
- BI-RADS category 5: It is a result obtained only from a diagnostic mammogram. The detected findings resemble cancer, with a 95% chance of being cancerous. A breast biopsy is recommended.
- BI-RADS category 6: This result is for evaluating the findings of individuals who have previously received a cancer diagnosis through biopsy. It actually indicates how well the individual responds to treatment.
Radiation Safety in Mammography
Mammography exposes the breasts to a small amount of radiation. Although radiation in mammography may be harmful, the diagnosis you will obtain through mammography outweighs this concern. However, if there is a possibility that you may be pregnant, you should share this with your specialist doctor. If you do not have a risk of breast cancer, your doctor may recommend postponing the screening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mammography a Painful Procedure?
Mammography can be a painful procedure for some individuals. It may vary depending on the size of the breasts, how much compression is needed, and whether you are in your menstrual period. However, since this procedure applies brief pressure, it is not unbearable.
When Are Mammography Results Available?
Mammography results are typically available within a few days, although this may vary depending on hospital workload. If this process takes longer, you can contact your hospital.
What Happens if Mammography Results are Abnormal?
An abnormal mammography result does not always mean cancer. However, your doctor may ask you to undergo additional mammography or other tests to confirm the situation.
Which Department to Visit for Mammography?
You should visit the general surgery department for mammography.
At What Age Can Mammography Be Done?
Women are recommended to have mammography as part of annual check-ups starting from the age of 40. However, individuals at risk of breast cancer may need to have mammography at an earlier age. If you have previously had breast cancer, if there is a history of breast or ovarian cancer in your family, or if you have dense breast tissue, you should consult your doctor regarding the frequency of mammography.
Where Is Mammography Conducted?
Mammography can be conducted in hospital radiology departments, clinics, imaging centers, breast cancer screening programs, or doctors' offices.
What Is the Difference Between Screening and Diagnostic Mammography?
In fact, these two tests are very similar. However, they differ mainly in terms of why and how often they are performed. Screening mammography can be performed to detect the presence of breast cancer even if you do not show any symptoms. However, diagnostic mammography is performed when you have symptoms. In both cases, your doctor examines the entire breast.
* Contents of this page is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The content of this page does not include information on medicinal health care at Liv Hospital .
