Mammography is a diagnostic procedure that uses low-dose x-rays to produce images of the breasts. It detects and diagnoses breast cancer in women who have no symptoms. For those looking to get a procedure like a 2D mammogram in Paterson, NJ, or elsewhere, these services will be able to capture two-dimensional images of the breast from two angles, providing a basic view that can help identify larger abnormalities.
Mammography is the only breast cancer screening modality proven to reduce breast cancer mortality.
The use of diagnostic mammography helps lower the death rate from breast cancer in women ages 40-74 by more than 32% since 1990, and it continues to do so today. Since mammograms detect early-stage cancers in the phase when they are most curable, mammography is responsible for two-thirds of the reduction in breast cancer death rates.
What Is the Preliminary Requirement of Mammography?
The mammography process begins with a doctor’s referral. After getting your doctor’s order, call the imaging centre to schedule an appointment. They will ask for some preliminary information on the phone, including:
- How old are you? Women over forty should have a mammogram every year.
- Have you had a mammogram before? If so, when was your last mammogram?
- Do you have any breast symptoms such as lumps, pain, or discharge from the nipples?
- What is the ethnicity of your parents and grandparents? Some types of cancer are more common in certain ethnic groups.
- Are you pregnant or breastfeeding? Mammograms use a small amount of radiation, so they avoid doing it.
What is the Process of Mammography at The Diagnostic Center?
- Registration
When you come to the imaging centre, you must complete a mammography patient history form. This form requests personal information such as your name, address, and phone number; previous breast surgeries or procedures; use of hormone therapy; use of birth control pills or menopausal hormones, whether cancer runs in your family; and your ethnic background.
- Removal of Metals from the Body
They will ask you to remove any clothing, jewellery, or accessories that might interfere with the images, such as metal bras, piercings, and underwire bras. They might give a gown to wear.
- Taking Images
The mammography technologist will position you on the exam table and ask you to place your arms above your head. They will then use a mammography machine to take several breast images. The entire procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes.
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Common Discomfort During Mammography
If you have firm breasts, you may feel some discomfort during the test. Firmer breasts are common in younger women and women who have not yet undergone menopause.
Lastly, diagnostic mammography is a safe and effective procedure when used correctly. It can help in the early detection of breast cancer even before you have any symptoms. Needless to say that when breast cancer gets early detection, there is a better chance for successful treatment.
In addition to detecting cancer, diagnostic mammograms evaluate abnormalities found on a screening or other imaging test. It determines if an anomaly is solid (a mass) or fluid-filled (a cyst) and evaluates changes in breast tissue seen on a previous mammogram. A mammogram will not detect all breast cancers. If you have a lump or other symptoms, you should still see your doctor.