Your session is about to expire
Why Does It Take 2 Weeks To Get Mammogram Results: Explained
Understanding Mammograms
A mammogram is a special x-ray of the breast. Doctors use it to find early signs of breast cancer. Mammograms can show lumps up to two years before they can be felt.
The Process
The process of getting a mammogram is simple but may cause discomfort for some women. Your breasts are placed on a clear plastic plate. A second plate then presses down from above. These plates squeeze your breasts between them, flattening out the tissue. It's not painful, but it might feel uncomfortable for a few minutes.
Pictures are taken from several angles. Then you're done, and your doctor looks at these pictures later on.
There are also different types of mammograms:
- Screening mammogram: checks for breast cancer in women with no symptoms.
- Diagnostic mammogram: used if there are suspicious symptoms or after screening shows something unusual.
Understanding how this test works helps you make an informed decision about your health care needs.
Types of Mammograms
Mammograms are a key tool in breast cancer detection. They come in two types: screening mammograms anddiagnostic mammograms.
A screening mammogram is routine. It checks for breast changes in those without any signs or symptoms. This type involves taking X-ray images of each breast from two angles. The aim here? To spot lumps or abnormalities that could suggest cancer.
On the other hand, a diagnostic mammogram is more detailed. It's used after suspicious results on a screening mammogram or when there are changes in the breasts like pain, thickening skin, lump or nipple discharge. In this test, more images are taken to get closer views of targeted areas.
In recent years, technology has given us a new method - the 3D Mammography, also known as digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT). DBT takes multiple X-rays of each breast at different angles and uses computer software to compile these images into a 3-dimensional picture of your breasts. This allows doctors to see beyond what they can with standard 2D imaging.
Remember: Each type serves its purpose and depends on individual needs and circumstances.
Conducting a Mammogram
Mammograms are vital in detecting breast cancer early. You stand in front of a special x-ray machine. A technologist places your breasts, one at a time, between two plates. The plates press together and flatten the breast for a few seconds while an x-ray takes pictures.
It's important not to wear deodorant or powder on the day of your mammogram as they can show up on the x-ray image. The entire process should take about 20 minutes. You may experience some discomfort during the procedure but it typically doesn't last long.
The radiologist then reviews these images after you leave, looking for any signs of concern such as lumps or calcifications (tiny calcium deposits). If anything unusual is found, they will likely ask you to return for more tests.
Remember: regular mammograms help detect issues early when treatment success is highest! It's part of taking care of yourself - so don’t skip it! Knowledge is power and we all have a role in our own health care.
Find Top Cancer Clinical Trials
Choose from over 30,000 active clinical trials.
Preparing for a Mammogram
Preparation for a mammogram starts days before the exam. Do not use deodorants, antiperspirants, powders, lotions or creams under your arms or on your breasts on the day of the exam. These products may contain substances that appear as white spots in the images.
Schedule your mammogram when your breasts are least likely to be tender. This is usually one week after menstruation ends for premenopausal women. If you're postmenopausal, pick a date that's easy to remember year after year.
Wear two-piece clothing on examination day. This makes it easier to undress from the waist up for the procedure. Bring prior mammography results if visiting a new facility - they help in comparison and diagnosis.
Remember: Preparation is key – it can influence the accuracy of test results and comfort during the process.
Mammography Technology Advancements
Mammography technology improves continuously. In the past, doctors relied on film mammograms. Now, they use digital mammograms and 3D mammograms.
Digital Mammogram uses electronic detectors to capture images of the breast tissue. They convert them into a digital format for viewing on a computer screen. The image clarity is superior to traditional film methods. It also allows more precise adjustments like magnification or contrast modification without needing further X-rays.
The next big advancement is 3D Mammography, also known as breast tomosynthesis. This procedure captures multiple images from different angles around the breast in slices that can be viewed one at a time—like pages in a book. This detailed view helps doctors identify any abnormalities with higher accuracy and reduces false positives compared to conventional 2D imaging.
Remember, these technologies are tools aiding diagnosis—not treatments themselves. Always discuss your options with healthcare providers before making decisions about screenings or treatments.
3-Dimensional (3-D) Mammography
3-Dimensional (3-D) mammography, also known as digital breast tomosynthesis, is an advanced form of breast imaging. It uses multiple X-rays from different angles. The images are then combined to create a three-dimensional picture of the breast.
The 3-D mammography process is similar to traditional mammography. But it provides more detailed information. This technology can detect smaller cancers earlier than traditional methods. It's especially helpful for women with dense breasts.
There may be some discomfort during the procedure due to compression of the breasts, but it lasts only a few seconds. Your radiologist will guide you through each step, ensuring your comfort and safety.
Remember: early detection saves lives! Regular screenings are essential for all women over 40 years old or those at high risk for breast cancer.
Abnormal Mammogram Results.
An abnormal mammogram result can cause worry. But, it's important to understand not all abnormalities mean cancer.
When you receive an abnormal mammogram result, it means the radiologist sees something unusual. It could be a mass or lump in the breast tissue, dense areas that are different from other images, or small white spots known as calcifications.
What Causes Abnormal Results?
Several factors may lead to an abnormal mammogram. These include benign (non-cancerous) conditions like cysts and fibroadenomas. Changes in your breasts due to aging, injury or infection also show up on a mammogram.
Cancer is another possible reason for an abnormal result but remember - an abnormal finding does not automatically indicate cancer.
Next Steps
If your results are abnormal, further testing is often needed to find out what's causing the changes in your breast tissue. This might involve diagnostic tests such as additional imaging (like ultrasound), biopsy procedures where small samples of tissue are removed and checked under a microscope.
Remember: early detection increases treatment options and success rates if it turns out to be cancerous. So don't skip regular screenings!