When to do mammograms and how to prepare for it?

Mammography is a breast examination using an X-ray. It is prescribed in order to identify a tumor or to find out whether it is benign or malignant.

How is mammography done?

Pictures should be taken from different angles. It often happens that the patient needs to come again for an additional examination. But do not immediately think about breast cancer. Simply the doctor needs to look carefully at those areas of the chest, which he did not see for the first time. To learn about when to do mammography is most convenient, you need to come to a consultation with a doctor. For this procedure, one mammary gland should be placed on a flat surface that radiates X-rays, then the compressor is pressed against it. So it turns out an excellent image of the very tissue of the breast. Entering the office, you need to undress to the waistband. Depending on the equipment that will be there, you will be asked to sit or become near it. Digital mammography is a more modern method of breast examination. It allows you to view an x-ray image on a computer monitor. This procedure is considered more accurate than conventional mammography. Where to do it, you can check with a specialist doctor.

Getting ready for a breast examination

On the day when the mammogram is prescribed by the attending physician, you do not need to use deodorant, perfume and creams on the chest and underarm zones. Such remedies can interfere with a good viewing of the image. It is also necessary on the day when the doctor recommended the mammogram, remove all ornaments from the decollete zone. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should definitely tell the specialist about it.

Why examine the chest

Many women often ask questions about when to do mammograms and what is it for? Here are the main reasons:

• To reveal breast cancer;
• To diagnose existing tumors;
• To observe a woman who has neoplasms;
• Assess the condition of a woman who has any changes in the breast.

This procedure should be done regularly. Many experts recommend doing it twice a year to those ladies whose age exceeds 40 years.

Mammography results

If there are no changes in the image, this result is considered normal. Many neoplasms revealed during examination are benign, and women should not worry about it. To pay attention to such moments:

• Stains of the correct form, as a rule, these are cysts;
• Nodules that can be both benign and malignant;
• Areas of dense tissue of various shapes;
• Calcium deposits, which can be signs of cancer.

When to do mammograms again? A doctor who has doubts after examining your results may appoint you another day. To come on procedure it is necessary after certain time appointed by the expert.

Breast examination risks

During this procedure, the level of radiation is low enough, so do not worry about its danger. It is prescribed even to pregnant women. The abdomen is simply covered with a special blanket, so as not to harm the child with radiation. This is an additional proof that mammography is a safe procedure.