Mammogram Dubai is a specialized x-ray technique used to examine the breasts.
It is the best technique available for detecting and evaluating breast problems. Mammograms make a significant difference in the early detection of breast cancer and consequently, the extent and success of treatment. If you have had a previous mammogram, please bring the results with you to the mammogram appointment. Those films will be viewed for comparison.
The examination is usually conducted with the patient standing, resting against the machine. For the best mammogram pictures, it is necessary to compress the breasts as flat as possible. The breast is held firmly in the correct position on the film by a special plastic plate. The compression is essential to ensure that the breast does not move while the film is being taken, and the best possible detail and clarity is obtained. The compression of the breasts can be uncomfortable, but it is only for a short time. Many women experience increased tenderness of the breast prior to menstruation. If this applies to you, please avoid scheduling your mammogram at this time to minimize any discomfort. Generally, the examination will take 20 to 30 minutes. Do not be concerned if the radiologist requests additional views – occasionally this is necessary for technical reasons or to view a particular area better. An ultrasound of the breasts may also be necessary, particularly in younger women where the breast tissue is very dense. On completion, the films will be studied in detail by the radiologist who will report on the findings to the referring doctor.
Frequency of the mammograms vary in different health systems. American Cancer Society recommends that women between 40 and 44 have the option to start screening with a mammogram every year. Women 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year. Women 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every other year, or they can choose to continue with yearly mammograms.
A mammogram is an x-ray of your breasts. X-rays use high energy rays to take pictures of the inside of your body. Breast screening with a mammogram can help to find breast cancers early when they are too small to see or feel.
The health professionals who take mammograms are called mammographers. And a female mammographer will usually take your mammogram. The mammogram itself only takes a few minutes, but the appointment may last about 30 minutes. Before you go, you should have been sent some information about the risks and benefits of having a mammogram for breast screening.
WHY MAMMOGRAM?
Mammograms are X-ray images of your breasts designed to detect cancers and other changes in breast tissue. A mammogram can be used either for screening or for diagnostic purposes:
Screening mammogram.
A screening mammogram is used to detect breast changes that could be cancerous in people who have no signs or symptoms. The goal is to detect cancer when it’s small and treatment may be less invasive.
Experts and medical organizations don’t agree on when to begin regular mammograms or how often the tests should be repeated. Talk with Dr Barbara Karin Vela about your risk factors, your preferences, and the benefits and risks of screening. Together, you can decide what screening mammography schedule is best for you.
Diagnostic mammogram.
A diagnostic mammogram is used to investigate suspicious breast changes, such as a new breast lump, breast pain, an unusual skin appearance, nipple thickening or nipple discharge. It’s also used to evaluate unexpected findings on a screening mammogram. A diagnostic mammogram includes additional mammogram images.
RISKS OF HAVING MAMMOGRAMS
Risks and limitations of mammograms include:
– Mammograms expose you to low-dose radiation.
The dose is very low, though, and for most people the benefits of regular mammograms outweigh the risks posed by this amount of radiation.
– Having a mammogram may lead to additional testing.
If something unexpected is detected on your mammogram, you may need other tests. These might include additional imaging tests such as ultrasound, and a procedure (biopsy) to remove a sample of breast tissue for laboratory testing. However, most findings detected on mammograms aren’t cancer.
If your mammogram detects something unusual, the doctor who interprets the images (radiologist) will want to compare it with previous mammograms. If you have had mammograms performed elsewhere, your radiologist will ask for your permission to request them from your previous health care providers.
Screening mammography can’t detect all cancers.
Some cancers detected by physical examination may not be seen on the mammogram. A cancer may be missed if it’s too small or is located in an area that is difficult to view by mammography, such as your armpit.
Not all of the cancers found by mammography can be cured.
Some breast cancers are aggressive, grow rapidly and quickly spread to other parts of the body.
HOW TO PREPARE TO HAVE A MAMMOGRAM DUBAI
To prepare for your mammogram:
Schedule the test for a time when your breasts are least likely to be tender. If you menstruate, that’s usually during the week after your menstrual period.
Bring your prior mammogram images. If you’re going to a new facility for your mammogram, request to have any prior mammograms placed on a CD. Bring the CD with you to your appointment so that the radiologist can compare past mammograms with your new images.
Don’t use deodorant before your mammogram. Avoid using deodorants, antiperspirants, powders, lotions, creams or perfumes under your arms or on your breasts. Metallic particles in powders and deodorants could be visible on your mammogram and cause confusion.
DURING THE MAMMOGRAM DUBAI
At the testing facility, you’re given a gown and asked to remove neck jewelry and clothing from the waist up.
For the procedure itself, you stand in front of an X-ray machine specially designed for mammography. A member of your health care team places one of your breasts on a platform and raises or lowers the platform to match your height. Your head, arms and torso are positioned in order to allow an unobstructed view of your breast.
Your breast is gradually pressed against the platform by a clear plastic plate. Pressure is applied for a few seconds to spread out the breast tissue. The pressure isn’t harmful, but it can cause some discomfort. Tell your health care team if the discomfort becomes too much.
Your breast must be compressed to even out its thickness and permit the X-rays to penetrate the breast tissue. The pressure also holds your breast still to decrease blurring from movement and minimizes the dose of radiation needed. During the brief X-ray exposure, you’ll be asked to stand still and hold your breath.
AFTER THE MAMMOGRAM DUBAI
After images are made of both your breasts, you may be asked to wait while your care team checks the quality of the images. If the views are inadequate for technical reasons, you may have to repeat part of the test. The entire procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes. Afterward, you may dress and resume your usual activities.
MAMMOGRAM DUBAI RESULTS
Mammography produces mammograms — black-and-white images of your breast tissue. Mammograms are digital images that appear on a computer screen. A doctor who specializes in interpreting imaging tests (radiologist) examines the images.
The radiologist looks for evidence of cancer and other conditions that may require further testing, follow-up or treatment. The results are compiled in a report and provided to your health care provider. Ask your provider when and how the results will be shared with you
FINAL NOTE
Screening mammograms are the best method for detecting breast cancer early. Mammograms can usually find lumps two or three years before you or your doctor can feel them. Research has shown a greater than 25 per cent reduction in deaths from breast cancer among those who regularly screen.
SOME MAMMOGRAM TERMS WORTH KNOWING
Breast Cancer Screening
Breast screening uses a test called mammography which involves taking x-rays of the breasts. Screening can help to find breast cancers early when they are too small to see or feel. These tiny breast cancers are usually easier to treat than larger ones.
Breast Tomosynthesis
Breast tomosynthesis is an advanced form of mammography, a specific type of breast imaging that uses low-dose x-rays to detect cancer early when it is most treatable.
Diagnostic Mammogram Dubai
A diagnostic mammogram is still an x-ray of your breasts. However, more pictures are taken so that any areas of concern can be carefully studied. A radiologist is on hand to advise the technologist (the person who operates the mammogram machine) to be sure they have all the images that are needed.
Tomosynthesis Mammogram Dubai
Tomosynthesis is an advanced form of mammography. It produces three-dimensional ( 3D ) images using a low-dose x-ray system. Tomosynthesis has been approved for use as an optional extra tool in the assessment of screen detected soft tissue breast abnormalities.