Detailed information on mammogram have been provided in today’s post. You will get to know more about mammography, digital mammography, 3D mammography, the cost of mammogram in South Africa, how mammogram works, advantages and possible risks of mammogram, and etc.

About Mammography

One may come up with the question, “what is mammography”? Mammography (also known as mastography) is an x-ray imaging system employed in examining the breast for the early detection of cancer and some other breast diseases like a lump, pain, or nipple discharge. This method utilizes low-energy X-rays (mostly around 30 kVp).

To state, mammography is utilized as both a diagnostic and screening tool. It allows early detection of breast cancers, benign tumors, and cysts before they can be detected by palpation.

The Different Types Of Mammography

Digital Mammography

Digital mammography is a technical form of mammography that utilizes digital receptors and computers rather than an X-ray film to aid examine breast tissue for breast cancer.

The electrical signals can be read on computer screens, allowing more handling of images to permit radiologists to clearly sight the results.

3D mammography (Tomosynthesis)

3D mammography also known as Tomosynthesis, is a specialized method for breast cancer screening in which x-rays of the breast are taken at different angles to generate thin cross-sections.

The 3D imaging of the breast is like the 3d images created by standard CT technology. But then, tomosynthesis differs from CT technology. Tomosynthesis uses very low-dose x-rays.

Benefits Of Mammogram

Lessens The Risk Of Dying From Breast Cancer

If about 1,000 women undertake a mammogram every two (2) years for 20 years, 7 deaths are averted.

Lessens The Risk Of Having To Undergo Chemotherapy

Screening usually allows for the detection of cancers at a premature stage of development. At this stage, treatment can be done without chemotherapy.

Helps Women To Be Aware Of The Health Of Their Breasts

Majority of women (close to 97.9 %) will not have breast cancers if their mammograms together with other examinations do not disclose cancers.

Side Effects Of Mammogram

Possibly, you will want to ask your doctor about the amount of radiation used in the course of the process and the potential risks associated with your particular situation.

It’s a great idea to keep a record of your previous history of radiation exposure, like past scans and other types of X-rays, so that you can inform your doctor. Risks related to radiation exposure may be associated with the cumulative number of X-ray examinations or perhaps, treatments over a long period of time.

Pregnant women should first consult their doctors before undergoing the treatments. This is simply because, radiation exposure during pregnancy may cause birth defects. If it becomes critical for a pregnant woman to have a mammogram, peculiar precautions should be made to lessen the radiation exposure to the fetus.

Again, certain discomfort may be experienced as the breast is compressed against the X-ray plate during this process. Have it in mind, this compression will not hurt the breast.

Cost Of Mammogram In South Africa

The cost of a mammography in South Africa varies depending on the facility and the kind of insurance you have.

Notwithstanding, the average cost of a mammography in South Africa is R1,500 — R3,106.23

How Mammogram Is Done

Procedure Of Mammogram

The patient’s breast is placed on a flat support plate and compressed with a parallel plate known as paddle. An x-ray machine give off a small burst of x-rays that penetrate the breast to a detector situated on the opposite side.

The detector may be a photographic film plate (the x-ray image is captured on a film) or a solid-state detector (electronic signals are transmitted to a computer to form a digital image). The images produced are called mammograms.

Duration Of A Mammogram Process

The entire process should take just about 15 minutes. Following the screaming, the technician will look at the X-rays. Take note, it’s not the duty of the technicians to examine the X-ray for signs of cancer, the examination is done by a doctor called a radiologist.

NB: Always consult your doctor before you begin with this process.