Mammography Services
Clinico Mammography Services at Mulund
One of the very few pathology labs in Mumbai with Mammography & OPG X-ray facilities together under one roof, Clinico provides fast and accurate reports with the help of the latest machines.
What is a Mammogram?
Basically an X-ray of the breast, a mammogram is a screening tool utilised to detect breast cancer. Along with regular clinical exams & monthly breast self-examinations, mammograms play a crucial role in the early detection of breast cancer.
Although perceived as uncomfortable by some women, getting mammograms done on an annual basis after age 40 is vital to avoid the late diagnosis of breast cancer. As per the National Cancer Institute in USA, breast cancer is the 2nd most common cancer among US women.
Hence, it’s important to get a mammogram done every 1-2 years. This assumes greater importance if you have a family history of breast cancer.
Types and Uses of Mammogram
A mammogram conducted as a routine test to detect breast cancer is called a screening mammogram. This test involves capturing numerous images of the breast with the help of a machine.
In case there is a lump on the breast or related symptoms of breast cancer, a diagnostic mammogram is usually conducted for a better diagnosis.
This is because diagnostic mammograms are much more extensive than screening mammograms. They generally involve more X-rays to acquire views of the breast from different angles. A diagnostic mammogram is also conducted for women having breast implants.
Are Mammograms Safe?
Mammograms are entirely safe. As is the case with any type of X-ray, mammograms also involve exposure to a minuscule amount of radiation during the procedure. Nevertheless, the risk associated with this is significantly low.
Experience of Mammogram
Most women experience some kind of discomfort when their breasts are compressed during a mammogram. The actual experience differs in women depending on the following factors:
- Breast size
- Breast tenderness linked to an expected upcoming period
- Skillset of the technician conducting the mammogram
The discomfort/pain felt by women during a mammogram only lasts for a small period of time. This is because the entire procedure of a mammogram takes around 20 minutes, while the parts that result in discomfort endure for only a few seconds.
Preparation for a Mammogram
On the day of the mammogram, you will be required to avoid applying the following substances, which may come up as white spots on the image:
- Perfumes
- Deodorants
- Body powders
- Ointments or creams on the breasts/underarms
It’s vital to inform the radiologist beforehand whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding. In such cases, you will be advised to undergo alternative screening methods like ultrasound as a substitute for the mammogram.
Mammogram Procedure
For a mammogram, you will have to undress from the waist up and remove any necklaces you may be wearing. A technician will then provide you with a smock/gown that ties on the front side.
You will then have to place each breast onto a flat X-ray plate. A compressor will then push the breast down to flatten the tissue to generate a clearer picture of the breast. You may have to hold your breath while each picture is taken. This procedure will last for a few seconds and may cause minor pain or discomfort.
In accordance with the testing facility, you may have to sit or stand during the scanning procedure until the images are captured.
During the procedure, the doctor will review the images as they are taken. If the evidence is inconclusive, the doctor might order additional images that depict different views of the breast. This is a common practice.
Digital Mammogram
As the name suggests, a digital mammogram is more advanced than a regular mammogram as it transforms the X-ray into an electronic picture of the breast that gets saved on a computer.
Images are instantly visible in a digital mammogram, eliminating the waiting time for the radiologist to examine them. The computer can also enable the radiologist/doctor to examine images that might not have been visible on a regular mammogram.
