Mammography is an imaging test that is done to visualize the internal region of the breast, that is, breast tissue, in order to identify changes that suggest breast cancer, mainly. This test is usually indicated for women over the age of 40, but women over 35 who have a family history of breast cancer should also have a mammogram.
By analyzing the results, the mastologist will be able to identify benign lesions and even breast cancer early, increasing the chances of curing the disease.
- Mammography is a simple test that can cause pain and discomfort to the woman by placing the breast in a device that promotes compression in order to obtain an image of breast tissue.
Depending on breast size and tissue density, compression time can vary from woman to woman and may be more or less uncomfortable or painful.
No specific preparation is necessary for mammography, it is only recommended that the woman avoid using deodorant, talcum talcum or creams in the pectoral region and underarms so as not to interfere with the result. In addition to being informed that the test is not done a few days before menstruation, because during this period, the breasts are more sensitive.
Mammography is an imaging test indicated primarily to investigate and diagnose early breast cancer. In addition, this test is important to check for the presence of nodules and cysts present in the breast, its size and characteristics, and it is also possible to specify whether the change is benign or malignant.
This test is indicated for women over the age of 35 who have a family history of breast cancer and for women over the age of 40 as a routine test, and are usually directed by the doctor to repeat the test every 1 or 2 years.
Despite the indication from the age of 35, if an alteration is checked during breast self-examination, it is important to consult the gynecologist or mastologist to assess the need for a mammogram. Watch the following video how the breast self-examination is performed:
The most common questions about mammography are
No. There are other tests, such as ultrasound and MRI, that are also useful for diagnosis, but mammography remains the best test for early detection of any breast upset, in addition to reducing breast cancer mortality, and therefore the choice of each mastologist.
No. Mammography is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women. Therefore, if the woman is in one of these situations, other tests such as an ultrasound or MRI should be performed.
No. When the woman is monitored by the SUS, she can get mammograms for free, but this test can also be done by any health plan. In addition, if the person does not have health insurance, there are laboratories and clinics that perform such tests for a fee.
Yes, the result of mammography is always correct but should be seen and interpreted by the doctor who requested it because the results can be misinterpreted by people who are not in the field of health. Ideally, a mastologist, who is the breast specialist, should see a suspicious result. Learn how to understand the outcome of mammogram.
No. As long as the breasts are very dense and there is a lump, the mammogram may not see it. For this reason, it is very important that in addition to mammography, a physical examination of the breasts and armpits is performed by the mastologist, because in this way changes such as nodules, changes in the skin and nipples, palpable lymph nodes can be found. in the armpit.
If your doctor says a lump, a mammogram may be ordered, even if the woman isn’t 40 yet because every time breast cancer is suspected, research is needed.
Yes, although silicone prostheses may interfere with image capture, it is possible to adapt the technique and capture all necessary images around the prosthesis, however additional compressions may be required to obtain the images desired by the doctor.
In addition, in the case of women with silicone prostheses, the doctor usually indicates the realization of digital mammography, which is a more accurate examination and is mainly indicated for women with prosthetics, without the need to perform several compressions and being less uncomfortable. . Understand what digital mammography is and how it’s done.