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.

The post Everything You Need To Know About Mammography appeared first on Ontario Diagnostic Centers.

Further, this article explains everything about mammography that you should necessarily know. It also lists down some of the precautions before heading towards an imaging centre to get this evaluation performed. 

And if you are also advised a mammography test, searching for a renowned “diagnostic centre near me” is the safest option. 

But first, What is Mammography?

Mammography is fundamentally a low X-ray imaging of the breast and the image obtained is termed a mammogram. The entire procedure is carried forward under the trained leadership of a technologist followed by the preparation of the report by a radiologist. 

Also, the mammogram generated is studied by the treating doctor for verifying the presence of cancer cells and other abnormalities of breasts, such as cysts, benign tumors, and calcification-for instance. And based on this report the practitioner can decide the further course of the treatment plan if required.

The Procedure of Mammography

If you are curious to know about the mammography technique, we have got you covered.

To commence, you will be asked to stand in front of an X-ray machine after taking off your shirt and bra. A technologist taking care of the complete procedure will help you position your breast on a small platform known as plastic plates. With the aid of a small dose of ionizing radiation, pictures of the inside of the body are produced.

Just in case, the readings do not come out normal, your treating doctor will make a master plan to diagnose the issue. And when the test reports are clear, you no longer have to worry.

However, at the same time, it is educated that women should get their breast analysis done at least once every three years. The gravity of this procedure becomes further crucial if you are someone who falls in the age group of 20 to 39 years.

Some Questions About Mammography Answered

The following is the list of some questions that encompass many women’s minds. Therefore, it is indispensable to answer them in detail to get more clarity on the “Mammography” evaluation.

How Should I Prepare for the Mammogram?

Before scheduling a mammogram, you should discuss in detail any new findings or problems in your breasts with your practitioner. Additionally, the treating doctor should be enlightened about the history of prior surgeries, hormone use, pregnancy, and any history of breast cancer in the family. 

If you have already got the mammography test conducted any time in the past, the reports shall be shared with the professional. Also, do bring them along on the evaluation day. 

Is Mammography painful?

Wondering how the procedure feels? This is likely to bring a million-dollar smile to your face. Since it is a non-invasive procedure that works similar to the X-ray of the chest, most women do not find it painful. 

However, you may realize the pressure on the breasts from the plates is a bit uncomfortable. Luckily, it lasts only for a few seconds!

Do I Need to Get Admitted for Mammography?

Mammography is an OPD-based procedure and is a quick methodology of around 20 minutes. So, admission for the same doesn’t even come into the picture.

Haven’t Noticed any Swelling or Lump in the breasts? Should I Still Get this Test Conducted?

Even if you haven’t realized anything unusual with your breasts or any other symptoms, breast analysis is recommended at least once every three years. At the same time, try scheduling regular appointments with your doctor. The expert will be in the ideal position to guide and recommend to you when to get this test performed.

How is Mammography a Life Savior?

Mammography helps to look for breast cancer findings even before the symptoms appear. The evaluation is hailed for detecting diseases at early stages for impeccable treatment outcomes. 

Discovering breast cancer early is paramount and significantly decreases women’s danger of dying from the sickness by 25-30% or more. This is why; Mammography has often been termed a life savior for many.

Do you need to go Empty-Stomach on the Evaluation Day?

Fasting is certainly not required for mammography. Therefore, you can take your meals before heading to an imaging centre.

Who Performs Mammography?

Mammography is conducted collaboratively by trained experts in the shape of technologists and radiologists with many years of experience in the field. Rest assured, you are always in their safe hands.

Are you Allowed to use Antiperspirant or Deodorant?

According to experts, the use of antiperspirant or deodorant is not advisable. Why? Well, it is said that these substances are infamous to appear in the film and meddle with the final outcomes. 

Final Words

To reap the many perks offered by this imaging procedure, it is suggested that you should diligently research for elite “diagnostic centres near me” rather than randomly choosing anyone. In other words: a centre that is extolled for employing state-of-art-equipment and delivering timely and accurate results.

In order to make your search easy, get connected with Ontario Diagnostic Centres for an amazing experience. Here are some of the benefits you relish:

• All our imaging procedures are covered under the OHIP program.
• Irrespective of the centre you visit, you will get round-the-corner assistance.
• We have a team of proficient technologists and radiologists. All of them are registered with CMRITO.
• The reports of the imaging tests will be available within a span of 24 to 48 hours. 

The post The Deeper Deets of Mammography Explained! And What Not to Do Before a Mammogram appeared first on Ontario Diagnostic Centers.