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Should a woman with breast implants undergo a mammogram? And when was the last time you examined your breasts?
What is a mammogram (MRTG)?
Mammography is a type of low-dose x-ray that can examine your breasts for any changes. In recent years, two new MRTG methods have appeared that ensure even greater accuracy of the examination: digital mammography (FFDM) and CAD (computer-aided detection).
What is MRTG used for?
Mammography is a screening test for early cancerous changes in women who do not report any disturbing breast symptoms. It is also used to diagnose breast diseases in people who have sensed a lump in them, or have observed breast soreness or leakage of secretions from the nipple.
How should you prepare for the test?
Before having the test, talk to your doctor (gynecologist) if you feel any changes in your breast. Also tell him if you have had any surgery, are taking medication, or if someone in your family has had breast cancer.
The test should not be performed approximately one week before the expected period. The breasts are swollen and tender during this period. MRTG is best performed during the first 7 days after the first day of menstruation. Be sure to tell your doctor or radiology technician doing the examination if there is any chance you may be pregnant.
On the day of the examination, it is not recommended to use deodorants, talcum powder or lotions in the area of the armpits and breast skin. The chemical substances they contain may crystallize and give an image of microcalcifications in the test.
If you experience any discomfort on the day you are having your mammogram, such as sore breasts, please inform the tester. She will handle the painful breast all the more carefully. If you have done MRTG before, be sure to take the last result with you. It will be useful to the doctor describing the test (for comparison).
Ask when and where you will be able to collect the test result. Don’t assume that the lack of information about a bad result is a good sign.
How is the test performed?
Mammography can be done in a clinic or hospital. In the latter case, however, it does not require hospitalization.
During the examination, the radiological technician or the doctor will place your breast in the correct position on the equipment plate. The breast will then be pressed a little against a second plate (usually a plastic one). The technician will gradually increase pressure on your breast during the examination.
A little squeezing of the breasts is necessary:
• to even out any lumps in the breast – so that all the breast tissue is clearly visible
• to evenly distribute the tissue density – so that any small irregularities are not covered by the build-up of surrounding tissues
• to hold the breasts in one position so that the image does not blur as a result of shake.
MRTG is performed in two positions (usually standing): top to bottom and oblique-lateral. During the test, you will be asked to change your position. After taking the appropriate position, stay in it. You may also be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds (this helps eliminate blurring).
The test is performed separately for each breast and lasts no longer than 15 minutes. After completing the test, ask where and when you can collect the result.
And during the study …
You will feel a slight pressure on the breast you are examining. It will gradually be pressed against the plastic plate of the mammograph. Therefore, it is best to do a mammogram when your breasts are not swollen and tender. If you experience sudden soreness while increasing pressure, be sure to inform the examiner.
What are the limitations of MRTG?
In many cases, MRTG does not allow to determine whether the revealed lesion is benign or malignant. Then it is necessary to conduct more detailed research.
Breast implants can make breast imaging difficult because silicone is not fully X-ray permeable and may obscure the tissues behind it, especially if the implant is placed in front of, not underneath, the pectoral muscle. Experienced technicians and doctors know how to compress the breast with the implant during the examination to improve the image without damaging the implant itself.
If you have implants, when registering for an MRTG, make sure the facility has the appropriate equipment, and the technician and x-ray doctor have adequate experience in MRTG in women with implants.
Find out why we are afraid of breast examinations!