According to The Center for Diagnostic Imaging, "Mammograms save lives" by assisting women to identify potential cancerous and non-cancerous lumps, masses, and/or tumours when they are smaller. This creates more effective treatment options whereby enabling better chances for better treatment options and recovery. Mammograms are also used after different types of surgery including lumpectomy or mastectomy, or you’ve had breast implants or breast explant surgery - if you have had any of these you will typically follow different recommendations for having screening mammograms than other women normally do depending on your own personal situation.
Mammogram Types
A mammogram is a technique that has been used for over 50 years and is an x-ray photograph of the breast.
There are two different types of mammograms:
Preventative/Screening Mammograms - Preventative or screening mammograms are typically done as part of a regular health care plan set out by your physician.
Diagnostic Mammograms - Diagnostic mammograms are performed when there is a sign of a potential area for concern, such as a lump in the breast or nipple discharge.
In recent years, there have been many variations in the standards for preventative medical testing. A trend has been to lower the bandwidth of testing in some cases. These changes in standards have happened for a number of reasons including reducing a patient's exposure to radiation.
The Benefits of Routine Checkups with your Physician
Self-breast examinations have long been used and recommended as a prevention and early detection, and regular or yearly checkups with your physician can significantly benefit women, especially for those over 40 or those with a family history of breast cancer. Screenings can be done on a yearly or bi-yearly basis, but if a woman has a family history of breast cancer or has had some indications or symptoms of issues with her breasts, it is recommended that she get a mammogram before the age of forty or on a schedule recommended by her physician.
According to the American Cancer Society, any of the following unusual changes in the breast can be a symptom of breast cancer:
swelling of all or part of the breast
skin irritation or dimpling
breast pain
nipple pain or the nipple turning inward
redness, scaliness, or thickening of the nipple or breast skin
nipple discharge other than breast milk
a lump in the underarm area
It is important to note that any of the changes mentioned above also can be signs of less serious conditions that are not cancerous, such as an infection or a cyst.
The Necessity of a Mammogram
Most mammograms take about 20 minutes to perform, including 2 views of each breast or up to 4 or more of each breast for women with breast implants. There may be discomfort during the breast compression x-ray. Many diagnostic clinics also recommend that women should try to not schedule a mammogram during the week of their period. A physician will be able to assess how frequently a woman should get a mammogram since it depends on family history, current breast health, and whether or not a woman has breast implants.
Breast Implants & Mammograms
According to the American Cancer Society, "You should be aware that it might be hard for the doctor to see certain parts of your breast. The x-rays used in mammograms cannot go through silicone or saline implants well enough to show the breast tissue that is in line with them on the mammogram. This means that part of the breast tissue can be hard to see on a mammogram." Scar tissue from breast implant surgery and placement of the actual implants whether below or above the muscle can also lead to difficulty in mammogram screening.
Many concerns have also been discussed with the potential risks of rupture of breast implants. Should you have breast implants and you are scheduled for a mammogram, be sure the technician is aware prior to booking your appointment and ensure the facility has the experience and the proper equipment for women with breast implants. Your plastic surgeon should also have discussed the need for proper breast examination whether mammogram and/or MRI's every year after your breast implant surgery.
To learn more, consult your physician and be proactive when it comes to your own health.
All posts are intended strictly for educational purposes. It is not intended to make any representations or warranties about the outcome of any procedure. It is not a substitute for a thorough in-person consultation with a medical professional. If you have questions about your personal medical situation, please call your healthcare provider.