FAQs

Mammography

What is mammography?
Mammography means imaging of the breast with the help of X-rays.

How is it performed?
It is similar to taking X-rays of the chest or any other X-rays. However, a special dedicated machine with a special X-ray tube is required for doing mammography. There are compression paddles which compress the breast and then X-rays are taken. Usually, two views of each breast are performed, with a total of four X-ray films per patient.

Why should it be done?
Mammography is performed for screening for breast cancer. Also, in patients with lumps in the breast, mammography helps in the diagnosis of the lump, i.e. whether it is benign or malignant. In simple words, it helps to know whether it is cancer or not.

If I have no complaints relating to the breast, should mammography be done?
Yes. The most important role of mammography is for screening normal women for early breast cancer. Breast cancer can be picked up by mammography much before it develops into a palpable lump.

How does it do that?
There are early signs of breast cancer like microcalcifications and small densities which can be seen on mammography much earlier than when it forms a mass which can be felt.

When should mammography be performed?
The American Cancer Society suggests that between 40 - 49 years, mammography should be performed every 1-2 years. At and over 50 years of age, mammography should be performed yearly.

Is there any preparation required for mammography?
No. You can just do it at any time. No preparation or fasting is required. Please do not use any powders or deodorants on the breasts or arm-pits prior to this procedure as these give rise to artefacts on X-Rays.

Is it painful to undergo a mammography?
No. It might just give a split-second discomfort when the breast is slightly compressed. Moreover, this machine has a special soft-touch compression which slows down as soon as the paddle reaches the breast.

Who will be doing it on me?
Only trained women personnel will be performing it. Not only will they be understanding and compassionate while performing it, but also they can counsel you on regular Breast Self-Examination if you have not understood it with the other pamphlets provided.

Who will be interpreting these mammograms?
The interpretation will be done by qualified radiologists with specialised training in mammography. Also, the doctor will be available for any queries on the subject and please do not hesitate to clear any doubts that you may have.

What is sonomammography?
Sonomammography is ultrasound of the breast. It is used as a complimentary test to mammography in patients with dense breasts or even in patients with breast lumps. It is done quite regularly with mammography at no extra cost.

Besides in normal women above the age of 40 years, when else should it be performed?
In patients with lumps, nipple discharge, especially if the discharge is bloody, in patients with skin discoloration or even in patients with lumps in the armpit, mammography should be performed. All these can occur in breast cancer and it is advisable to do mammography for the same. Also, patients with a close family history of breast cancer (eg. mother or sister with breast cancer) have an increased risk of developing breast cancer themselves and they should also regularly undergo mammography.

Is it O.K. to do it once and if there is no abnormality, forget about it?
No. Mammography should be performed every year as an abnormality can develop any time, even after the first mammogram. In fact, each year the previous mammgorams should also be brought as a developing density ( a lesion that is new and not seen on the earlier mammogram) can also be a sign of early breast cancer.

Why do mammography at all?
Because breast cancer is the number 1 cancer killer in the city of Mumbai today in women. If picked up by mammography, it is usually at a very early stage and not only has it not spread but local resection might be enough and big surgeries like removing the whole breast may not be necessary.

If we find something on the mammogram, what is the next step?
If the lesion is suspicious for a cancer, a biopsy should be performed. If it appears benign, we can just do a follow-up or biopsy or even leave it alone, depending on the lesion.

Is there any risk of radiation to the breast during mammography?
The radiation doses are very low and practically, there is no such risk. However, it should not be performed on pregnant women unless strongly indicated clinically and that too, with adequate precautions.

Does breast cancer occur in men also?
Yes. 1% of all breast cancers do occur in males. But since the incidence is quite low, they need not do screening mammography. However, if a lump occurs in the breast region of a man, mammography can be performed.

What is Breast Self-Examination?
Breast Self-Examination or BSE is palpation of the breast by women with their own fingers to look-out for lumps. Another pamphlet is provided for the same to help you practise BSE.

 

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