Mammography: What it is and Why it is Needed
Mammography is an X-ray imaging technique used to examine the breast tissue for detecting diseases, including cancer. It helps identify tumors, cystic formations, and other abnormalities that may not be visible during a physical examination. Mammography is one of the most effective and widely used methods for breast cancer screening and allows for the detection of changes at the earliest stages, when the disease has not yet caused obvious symptoms.
Why is Mammography Needed?
Mammography plays a crucial role in breast cancer prevention. It not only helps diagnose cancer at an early stage but also identifies benign conditions such as cysts or fibroadenomas, which do not require surgery but need monitoring. Regular mammograms allow tracking changes in breast tissue over time, enabling timely responses to any deviations.
Early detection of breast cancer significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. For example, when cancer is detected at stage I, the 5-year survival rate is around 90-95%, while at stage IV, it is only 25%. Therefore, regular screening through mammography plays a key role in prevention and early diagnosis.
How is Mammography Performed?
Mammography is a simple and safe procedure typically performed in a medical facility, usually in a radiology department. During the examination, the patient places their breast on a special platform of the machine, and it is compressed between two plastic plates to obtain a clear image. Compression is necessary to get clear images of the breast tissue and reduce the radiation dose.
The compression may cause slight discomfort, but the procedure lasts only a few minutes. Usually, two images are taken of each breast—one from the front and one at an angle. In some cases, additional images may be needed for more accurate evaluation.
When Should Mammography be Done?
Recommendations for mammography can vary based on age, family history, and other risk factors. However, general guidelines are as follows:
- Women over 40 years old: Mammography should be performed annually or every two years, depending on the doctor’s recommendations.
- Women under 40 years old: Mammography may be recommended if there are concerns about changes in the breasts, a family history of breast cancer, or other risk factors.
- Women at higher risk: If a woman has a family history of breast cancer or a genetic predisposition, mammography may be recommended at an earlier age, such as starting at 30 years old.
Special attention should be given to patients with a high risk of breast cancer, such as those with genetic mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2.
The Importance of Regular Mammograms
Regular mammograms are key to early detection of breast cancer. Despite the fact that breast cancer can develop without symptoms, the examination helps detect even the smallest tumors that are not visible upon palpation. Regular screenings reduce the risk of seeking medical help too late, which increases the chances of successful treatment and preserving health.
If mammography shows any abnormalities, such as tumors or changes in the tissue, the patient may be referred for additional tests, such as ultrasound (US) or biopsy, to confirm the diagnosis and determine the best treatment method.
Benefits of Mammography
- Early detection of cancer: Mammography allows for detecting breast cancer at the earliest stages when the tumor is too small to be felt during a physical exam.
- Non-invasive: Mammography is a non-invasive procedure that does not require surgical intervention and is quick to perform.
- High accuracy: Mammography has high accuracy in diagnosis, especially when performed regularly and considering all risk factors.
- Prevention: Mammography helps detect not only cancer but also other benign changes in the breast tissue, allowing for timely treatment or monitoring.
Expected Results
The results of a mammogram are usually ready within a few days. A radiologist analyzes the images and prepares a report that will be sent to your treating physician. In some cases, if the images raise concerns or there is suspicion of a tumor, additional testing or repeat mammography may be required.
If the mammogram results are normal, it is recommended to continue regular monitoring. If any deviations are found in the images, further tests are needed to determine the nature of the changes and, if necessary, initiate treatment.
Risks and Limitations of Mammography
Despite its high effectiveness, mammography has some limitations:
- Dense breast tissue: In younger women or women with dense breast tissue, mammography may be less effective as the dense tissue may obscure tumors. In such cases, additional diagnostic methods like ultrasound may be recommended.
- Small radiation risk: Although the radiation level during mammography is minimal, repeated exposure may still pose a slight risk to health. However, the benefits of breast cancer screening far outweigh the potential risks.
- False-positive and false-negative results: Sometimes, mammography results can be false, meaning a tumor may be detected where there is none (false-positive) or cancer may not be detected (false-negative). Therefore, additional studies are essential to confirm the diagnosis.
Conclusion
Mammography is an essential tool in the early diagnosis of breast diseases, particularly cancer. It allows for detecting abnormalities at the earliest stages, which increases the chances of successful treatment and saving lives. Women should understand the importance of regular mammograms, especially after the age of 40, and consider their genetic predisposition and risk factors. Regular screenings help preserve health and identify potential issues in a timely manner.