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- Mon-Fri 08:00 – 18:00
Contacts
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Mammograph: 052 809 002
Mammographic examinations
Medical Imaging Center MLADOST is equipped with the latest digital mammograph from Siemens – MAMMOMAT Fusion.
Mammography is the most common method for diagnosing mammary glands. It is an X-ray method that visualizes the structures that make up the mammary gland.
In which cases is the study recommended?
Mammography is a widely used method for early diagnosis of breast cancer. Screening is also performed in women who do not have visible changes and complaints related to the breast. Screening mammography can detect tumors that are not palpable (palpable) on physical examination. All women over the age of 45 and those at increased risk for breast cancer are screened. In women with a family history, it is recommended that the first prophylactic mammograms be performed earlier, around the age of 30.
The advantage of the method is the high resolution and the ability to detect small pathological findings even before the appearance of clinical signs, ie the disease to be diagnosed at an early stage.
Mammography is also used in women who have breast symptoms, and the main clinical symptoms that refer patients to see a doctor are:
- palpable formation in one or both mammary glands;
- chest pain;
- presence of secretions from the milk ducts of the breast;
- skin changes in the nipple, areola (pigmented area around the nipple) or other areas of the breast;
- enlarged gland;
- redness of the breast;
- retraction (pulling) of the skin or nipple;
Before performing a mammogram, you should tell your doctor about:
– all previous surgical interventions;
– treatment with hormonal preparations;
– family or personal history of breast cancer;
Always tell your radiologist if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
It is not advisable to perform the test a week before menstruation, because usually the breasts at this time are tense and more sensitive.
The best time to have a mammogram is the week after your period.
Do not apply deodorant, powder or lotion to the breast area on the day of the test, as these products may affect the image quality.
In the mammography room, you will need to undress (from the waist up) and then place your breasts on the mammograph stand. By light and dosed pressure the breast will be pressed with the blades of the device in order to obtain a clearer image.
It takes a few minutes to get images.
Compression (squeezing) of the breast between the surfaces of the device during mammography could cause mild pain, but this lasts only a few seconds.
Mammography uses low X-rays, so the radiation load is minimal. However, for women who are pregnant, another test method is recommended.
Mammography can detect normal breast tissue without any areas of compaction or calcification (deposition of calcium salts). Deviations from the norm can be tumor formations, which are presented as correct or irregular in shape shadows, of different size, medium or high intensity. Mammography can also show cystic formations in the breast tissue. Cysts are benign, fluid-filled growths that can occur alone or in groups and are common in mammography.
Mammography can also detect the presence of calcifications – microcalcifications and macrocalcifications . Calcifications are considered to be a consequence of the development of necrosis in the disease focus of the breast. Macrocalcifications are visible to the naked eye and are a sign of good quality. Grouped microcalcifications most often indicate malignancy of the process and are a characteristic feature of intraductal carcinoma.
