The concept of screening mammography is a type of breast imaging that employs low-dose x-rays to detect cancer early. It emerges as a savior by figuring out the development of the condition well-before women experience symptoms and when it is most treatable.
What Is Mammography?
As already stated above, this methodology of specialized medical imaging makes use of a low-dose x-ray system to examine the breasts. The procedure plays a significant role in determining and diagnosing breast diseases in women.
The examination exposes you to a small dose of ionizing radiation to gather several images of the inside of the body. It is based on these results that the treating doctor can fix any prevailing issues with your breasts.
How Is A Mammogram Done?
You will essentially need to stand before a special x-ray machine. The professional in the form of a trained technologist will place your breasts on a plastic plate.
With the use of another plate, the breasts are firmly pressed from above. You will continue to remain in the same position as X-rays are being taken.
Similarly, the steps are repeated to take images of the side view of the breasts. The technologist will carefully examine the X-rays already taken to ensure that the same is not required to be repeated.
What Does Having A Mammogram Feel Like?
To most women, having a mammogram can cause discomfort. Some even find it painful. However, the duration of the procedure may last a few moments before the discomfort gets over soon.
Additionally, your breasts are likely to be more sensitive especially if you have periods or are about to get them.
How To Prepare For The Mammogram?
Of late, if you have realized any new findings or issues with your breasts, it is highly suggestive to discuss them with your treating doctor before getting the mammogram scheduled.
What’s more, do inform the professional of any prior surgeries, hormone use, or any other family history of breast cancer.
It is also recommended to refrain from getting the mammogram scheduled for the week before your menstrual period if your breasts are tender. Rather the best practice is to go for the examination following your periods.
If you are pregnant, it should be in the knowledge of your treating doctor without fail. Additionally, on the day of the examination be mindful of the following pointers:
- Try to get the procedure done from a centre that specializes in doing mammograms and does several mammograms a day.
- If you had a mammogram before, try going to the same facility so that the reports can be compared from year to year.
- Visiting a particular facility for the very first time? Consider taking the reports of mammograms, biopsies, or any other breast procedures you’ve already had previously.
- Prefer scheduling a mammogram when your breasts aren’t tender or swollen. They might cause a lot of discomforts. So, it’s advisable to avoid the week just before your period.
- On the examination day, be very sure to ditch the use of deodorant, antiperspirant, powders, lotions, creams, or perfumes under your arms, or on the breasts. This stands to reason: they may play a deterrent from accomplishing clear results.
- Wearing loose or comfortable clothes is the imperative need of the hour. You can go with a skirt or pants so that it is easy to remove the upper clothes.
How Will The Experience Be During The Procedure?
Experiencing pressure on the breasts is a dime-a-dozen situation as they are squeezed by the compression paddle. But this discomfort period won’t last perpetually and will apply till the complete procedure is attained.
Who Prepares The Report?
The technologist is known to take care of the complete procedure. And once all the images are successfully taken, a doctor in the form of a radiologist will interpret the images carefully.
Post analyzing them, a detailed report is prepared by the expert. They are forwarded to your treating doctor who decides the master plan to overcome any existing issues if any.
What Happens If My Mammogram Is Normal?
If your mammogram comes out to be normal, you can continue to embrace the same schedule. Meanwhile, it is also advisable to get mammograms at the recommended time intervals.
Additionally, mammograms work best when they are compared with their previous ones. This empowers the radiologist to monitor the slightest of changes carefully.
What If The Mammogram Report Is Abnormal?
After realizing that your mammogram is not normal, it is enough to rattle you. However, even during the emergence of an abnormal report, you must not panic.
It does not essentially mean that you have cancer. Rather your treating doctor will be in the ideal position to confirm that. He/she may refer you to get some additional mammograms, tests or exams conducted.
When Can I Expect The Results Of My Mammogram?
While you can expect the results within a few weeks, it foremostly depends on the facility from where you have got the examination conducted.
However, in emergency cases, you can get the results within 2 to 4 hours. These details can be shared by the imaging centre directly with your treating doctor.
Which Imaging Centre Can Be Trusted For All Your Imaging Needs?
For all your imaging needs, the different Ontario Diagnostic Centres serving the people of GTA can be consulted. The label employs the latest technological tools in all of its centres.