WHAT IS A MAMMOGRAM?

A mammogram is an x-ray machine specifically designed to take images of the breast with the aim of detecting breast conditions that are cancerous or may, in time, lead to cancer. The images are recorded on x-ray film or, as is the case with Saint James Hospital’s Digital Mammography, onto a computer for the radiologist to examine directly from there. The mammogram emits low dose radiation to take pictures of both breasts. The results viewed are then reported upon by a radiologist.

HOW EFFECTIVE ARE MAMMOGRAPHY RESULTS?

A Mammography test is used to help detect breast cancer in its early stages since it can capture cancers, in the form of lumps or growths, that are too small to be felt by either the patient or her doctor during examination. It aids radiologists to expose breast lumps and changes in breast tissue that would warrant further investigations. To date, Mammography is the best screening tool available for detecting breast cancer. It is important to never forget that if Breast Cancer is detected in its early stages there is a strong chance that it can be beaten through early effective treatment.

IS A MAMMOGRAM ENOUGH TO DETECT BREAST CANCER?

While a mammogram produces excellent results, a radiologist may, in certain cases, deem further screening tests to be necessary. One such breast screening test is the ultrasound of the breast which will be done by the same radiologist reporting the mammogram. Saint James Hospital utilises the latest state-of-art technology and diagnostic results/reports are given to patients before they leave the Hospital.

THE MAMMOGRAPHY TEST

Women who are due for breast screening will be interested in knowing how a mammography is carried out. You will be met by a radiographer who will take your particulars and will proceed to prepare you for the exam. When you are ready for the test to be performed, the radiographer will position your breast in a mammography unit, on a special platform and compressed by a paddle. In this way a clear image of all the breast tissue can be viewed. The radiographer will then proceed to activate the machine and proceed with the complete imaging. The process is repeated for both breasts separately. Once the mammogram is complete, the radiologist will view the images taken and will report on those results. You will be given a copy of the images and the report to take home with you. Note: When you are due for a mammogram the following year you will need to get your previous results with you so that the radiologist may gauge any changes that have occurred between one year and the next. Breast Cancer Awareness campaigns are generally directed at women, however, the disease does occur also in a much smaller percentage of men. So, men who detect changes in their breasts should report these immediately to their medical doctor for further investigation.

THE ADVANTAGES OF DIGITAL MAMMOGRAPHY

Saint James Hospital constantly invests in the latest state-of-the-art equipment; the Radiology department is no exception. The mammogram examination is carried out with a Digital Mammography Unit that produces digital images as opposed to traditional film images that are then developed in a dark room. The digital images can then be viewed on a computer screen and can be electronically manipulated. Some other advantages of Digital Mammograms are:

 Digital Mammography submits patients to a lower dose of radiation.

 Since images do not have to be developed they are immediately available. The radiographer can gauge in real time whether the images are of optimum quality and whether additional views need to be taken.

 Digital images can be manipulated on screen by a radiologist making results more accurate. For example, contrasts in the images can be adjusted and sections of it can be magnified to more easily detect subtle differences between tissues. This contrasting technique proves to be an essential aide when imaging dense tissue since dense breast tissue and malignant cells both appear white on a traditional film mammogram.

THE RESULTS

The majority of mammography results will not require further investigation. However, should a lump be detected you will be guided towards further investigations such as a breast ultrasound or a biopsy. A biopsy will involve removing a small amount of tissue from the lump and the area surrounding it and sending it to laboratory where it will be investigated for cancer or for other changes that are likely to develop into cancer. According to the laboratory results you will then be either guided towards regular breast screening/monitoring, or towards further investigations in the form of a consultation with a surgeon who will then guide you towards the best path to proceed upon.