Basaveshwara Hospital provides breast ultrasound also called ultrasound mammogram which helps in diagnosing breast cancer. If you feel any symptoms of breast cancer then consult the breast cancer specialist near you.

 

A Mammography is a specialized X-ray image of the breast designed to detect tumours and other abnormalities.  All mammograms are performed by female technicians.  

A Mammography consists of having two X rays taken from each breast. Both breasts are imaged, even though the problem may be with one breast. Further additional views are acquired in special cases

The breast will be placed between two plastic plates (compression paddles) so that the entire breast can be seen, the dose of radiation can be minimized and a good quality picture can be obtained. Women may feel pain or discomfort during the procedure, but it is only for a few seconds (5-10sec).  It is important not to move during this short time. The entire procedure will take around 10mins.

A mammogram uses small doses of radiation, well within safety limits. The benefit of mammography outweighs the small risk of radiation.

At Basaveshwara Hospital installation of Hologic top-class digital mammography equipment has revolutionised breast imaging. This provides for

o    2D mammography

o    3D mammography exam

o    Stereotactic biopsy

o    Contrast-enhanced mammogram

 The equipment is based on the principle of better lesion detection leading to early cancer detection and reducing the number of biopsies. The revolutionary Selenia Dimensions System, which has set standards in mammography screening, provides: 

o    Exceptionally sharp images

o    Advanced clinical applications 

o    World’s first and only Tomosynthesis guided biopsy

o    Ergonomic design and sophisticated tools for patient comfort and ease of operation.

 

The Equipment`S 3D Mammography Offers 

o    Proven to detect 20-65% more invasive breast cancers compared to 2D alone, an average increase of 41%

o    Proven to reduce callbacks by up to 40% compared to 2D alone

o    FDA approved as superior for women with dense breasts compared to 2D alone

  

Screening And Diagnostic Mammography: 

o    Screening mammography is performed periodically in women who have no signs or symptoms related to breast. The goal is to detect small cancer before they are detected through self-palpation or clinical breast examination.

o    Diagnostic mammography is used to investigate suspicious breast changes such as a lump, pain, skin changes, nipple changes, nipple discharge etc. This may involve taking additional special images. 

When To Perform Screening Mammography

 o    The general population/women with an average risk of breast cancer screening mammography can be performed as part of routine health check from the age of 40, every one or two years.  

o    Women with a high risk of breast cancer benefit from screening mammograms before the age of 40. This decision will be taken after discussion with the doctor, evaluating risk factors such as the family history of breast or other cancers or personal history of precancerous conditions. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may also be required in addition to mammograms. 

o    Diagnostic mammography is performed in all women from the age of 40yrs presenting with a breast complaint. Occasionally younger women with suspicious breast lump are also advised mammogram as part of the evaluation.
 

How Should I Prepare For The Mammogram?

If the procedure is being done for screening, it can be planned during the first half of the menstrual cycle in premenopausal women, when the breast is least tender to reduce any discomfort during the procedure. 

 

o    A patient will be required to undress from the waist up. Hence wearing two-piece clothing (rather than the single-piece dress) is helpful.  A gown will be offered prior to the procedure. 

o    Do not use deodorant, talcum powder, cream or perfused sprays on the breasts, underarms as this will affect the result of the mammograms.

o    Bringing the prior mammogram images (CD or hardcopy) is recommended as compared with previous improves detection of early abnormalities on the mammogram.

o    Inform the technologist of any prior breast surgeries, any current breast symptoms or problems. 

Looking for a mammogram in Bangalore? Consult the best mammogram screening hospital near you.

 

What Is Digital Mammogram And How Is It Different From Conventional (Analogue, CR System) Mammogram?

o    Both use X-ray radiation to produce an image of the breast. In a conventional mammogram, the image is stored directly on a film, whereas in digital mammography, the electronic image is taken and stored directly on a computer. This allows recorded data to be enhanced, magnified and manipulated for further analysis. 

o    Digital mammography has a specific advantage in younger women (pre/peri- menopausal, <50yrs and with dense breast tissue) to selectively enhance image contrast in areas of dense gland tissue leading to earlier / better detection of cancer. 

o    In digital systems, the radiation dose is around 35% lower than for analogue systems. 

o    The digital images are viewed on a computer; hence they can be lightened or darkened, magnified to look at certain areas closely. The images can also be stored electronically and reviewed at a later time.

o    In CR systems, Cancer detection rate (fraction) is nearly 15-20% lower compared to digital mammography systems.