A specific type of breast imaging is known as screening mammography. In this process, there is the use of low-dose x-rays for the early detection of cancer, even before women experience symptoms. At this stage, cancer is most treatable. You should clearly inform a cancer specialist doctor in Kolkata about any breast problems or symptoms, any prior surgery, use of hormones, any personal or family history in breast cancer and if you are pregnant. On the day of your mammography, wear loose, comfortable clothes and don’t wear any jewellery. You should not use any deodorant, talcum powder or lotion under your arms or on your breasts. It is because, during the test, these may appear on the mammograms and cause a problem in proper diagnosis.
The radiologist uses a low-dose x-ray system in mammography to see inside the breasts. There are a lot of benefits of a mammography exam, called a mammogram in the detection and diagnosis of breast diseases in women. Digital mammography, computer-aided detection and breast tomosynthesis are three latest advances in mammography. You can know about these from the best oncologist in Kolkata.
Digital mammography
The other term of this is full-field digital mammography (FFDM). The x-ray film is replaced by electronics in this mammographic system. It converts x-rays into mammographic pictures of the breast. There is a similarity of these systems with those found in the digital camera. There are better pictures with a lower radiation dose because of the efficiency of these systems. Then the radiologist transfers the images of the breast to a computer for review and long-time storage.
Computer-aided detection (CAD)
In this process, the systems examine digitized mammographic images for abnormal areas of mass, density or calcification indicating the presence of cancer. In the images, the CAD systems highlight these areas on the images. The radiologist will carefully assess the area on seeing these marks.
Breast tomosynthesis
Three-dimensional (3-D) mammography and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) are the other terms for this, which is an advanced form of breast imaging. The system captures multiple images of the breast from different angles and synthesizes them into a three-dimensional image set.
Common uses
In the early detection of breast cancers, mammography plays an important role. This is due to the fact that it is able to show the changes in the breast much before a patient or doctor can feel them. When I discussed this with a cancer doctor near me, I came to know that women of 40 years and above should go for screening mammography. It has been found that early detection of breast cancer is possible through annual mammograms. When there are abnormal clinical findings such as a breast lump or nipple discharge, the doctor takes the help of diagnostic mammography to evaluate the patient.