Today, women are multitasking and juggling to ensure a balance between office and home. There is always a big to do list, that includes everything other than regular health checkups. With regular screening health issues can be identified early and being proactive also helps in preventing and taking timely action for several health problems.
With the lifestyle changes and the stress accompanied by it, women are predisposed to a number of health conditions. Regular screening ensures that any health issues are identified early. One of the important tests to be considered is mammogram. October being the National breast cancer awareness month is the right time to go for a mammogram. Women who are in their 30s are recommended to go for a yearly mammogram and women who are 40 plus should mandatorily have a mammogram done yearly once and thereafter go for it regularly.
As per World Cancer Research Fund, the most commonly occurring cancer in women is breast cancer and it is the second most common cancer overall. In the year 2018, there were over 2 million new cases.
But thanks to the early detection, there are fewer women who are succumbing to breast cancer. And the good news is that breast cancer is treatable in the early stages itself. That’s why women are advised for monthly self exams, yearly mammograms and annual checkups with a doctor.
Why Mammograms?
Mammograms help in diagnosing breast cancer even in the early stage. It is easier when detected in the early stage for treating breast cancer. When breast cancer is identified in the initial stages, it is generally small and has not spread to other parts of the body that would mean a woman has a better chance of recovery from the disease.
What is Mammography?
In Mammography, special X-ray images are used to detect changes in the breast tissue and abnormal growths.
A digital X-ray machine is used that is made especially for breast tissue. The breast is compressed and pictures are taken from at least two different angles that finally create a set of images for each of the breasts. The set of images is called Mammogram.
Difference between screening mammogram and diagnostic mammogram
The breast is X-rayed from top to bottom and from side to side in a screening mammogram and this is a prevent one. A particular lump or the area of an abnormal tissue is focused on in a diagnostic mammogram.
A mammogram when it is recommended by the doctor as a routine test to check for any cancer is known as screening mammogram. Several X rays of each breast are taken in this type of test.
A diagnostic mammogram is ordered if there is a lump or any other symptom of breast cancer. As compared to screening mammograms, diagnostic mammograms are more extensive.
What are the risks that are associated with Mammography?
Mammography is like any X-Ray, where you will receive a small amount of radiation. The risk from mammography is very low. No proven risk is associated.
What do the results indicate?
The images that come from a mammogram can find the calcium deposits or calcifications in the breasts. Most of these calcifications are not a sign of cancer. The mammography can also find cysts which are basically fluid filled sacs and also cancerous or non cancerous lumps. Your doctor can provide you more details about the results.
If the radiologist finds anything that is suspicious or is suggestive of malignancy, the report will have the details describing the size of the finding, the shape of the abnormal region and also the location.
Why Pramodini Imaging & Diagnostic centre for Mammography?
Pramodini Imaging & Diagnostics center, situated in the heart of Vijayawada is leading diagnostic centre in Vijayawada and offers a number of services. At Pramodini Diagnostic Centre, we are the first in the country to upgrade with world’s first slim cassette type digital mammography (Rose M Dr Tech with FDI approval). With the help of this level of advanced technology, we are able to detect even minute lesions with good accuracy.
The centre provides diagnostic imaging procedures that include mammography, MRI, ultrasound and CT scans. The centre plays an important role in the delivery of healthcare. It also offers the most advanced and comprehensive range of Radiology services. The center also has a highly skilled team of, subspecialty radiologists, and accredited technologists and dedicated support staff.