Mammography is a low-dose X-ray imaging test designed specifically to examine breast tissue. It plays a crucial role in the early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer and other breast-related conditions. Mammography can reveal changes in breast tissue that cannot be felt during a physical examination.
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Types of Mammography:
Screening Mammography
Performed on women without any symptoms.
Aims to detect cancer at an early, treatable stage.Diagnostic Mammography
Used to investigate suspicious breast changes like lumps, pain, nipple discharge, or changes in shape or size.
Provides more detailed images than screening mammography.
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Procedure:
The breast is gently compressed between two plates to spread the tissue evenly.
X-ray images are taken from different angles.
The test typically takes about 15–20 minutes.
Discomfort may be felt for a few seconds during compression but is usually tolerable.
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Benefits:
Early detection of breast cancer improves treatment outcomes.
Can detect tumors, cysts, calcifications, and dense breast tissue changes.
Useful for routine screening in women over 40 or earlier in high-risk individuals.
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Safety:
Mammography uses very low doses of radiation.
The benefits of early detection far outweigh the risks in most cases.
Mammography is a vital, safe, and effective test that helps save lives by detecting breast cancer early, when treatment is most successful.