Mammograms: Early Detection Key to Better Odds of Survival

Mammograms: Early Detection Key to Better Odds of Survival

Doctors use mammography technology for imaging breast tissue. The images aid the physician in detecting and diagnosing diseases of the breast in women. The technology involves exposure of the breast region to low-dose x-rays. All women over age 40 should have an annual mammogram; those with a family history of breast cancer should have annual mammograms from age 30 and beyond. Mammograms are the best tool physicians have for early detection of breast cancer.

Early Detection

Early detection offers women the best chance of surviving the disease. In fact, if found before metastasizing to the lymph nodes, breast cancer survival rate is 97 percent; if breast cancer has metastasized to the lymph nodes, but still in its early stages, the chances of survival are 78 percent. Odds of survival drop considerably for breast cancer detected in later stages. Annual mammograms make it easier for your OB/GYN physician to detect very small and subtle changes in the breast tissue by comparing current images to previous years.

Are Mammograms Painful?

At your appointment, the technician will ask you to disrobe and don a medical gown with the opening in the front. She will then direct you to stand to face the x-ray machine. The technician then places your breast between two plastic paddles that move together to tightly compress your breast tissue. This is the unpleasant part of the procedure, but is vital to obtain a clear image of breast tissue for diagnosis. The entire process takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Once complete your doctor will review the results and discuss his findings with you.

What If the Mammogram Shows an Abnormality?

Your physician will perform a manual examination of your breast to attempt to feel it with his hand. When he finds the lump, he will assess the surrounding tissue and possibly order an ultrasound and/or biopsy. The ultrasound can approximate the size of the lump and also help direct the technician with the biopsy needle if the doctor orders a biopsy.

Appearance of Breast Abnormalities

Approximately 50 percent of breast cancers appear as tiny white spots clustered together on the mammogram image. These clusters, called microcalcifications, are actually very small specks of calcium that cannot be felt with manual breast examinations. When the calcium deposits cluster together, this can indicate breast cancer.

The other half of cancers detected by mammograms appear as lumps or masses in the breast tissue. Some of these masses or densities do not show up on a mammogram; although, they can be felt through manual examination. Never ignore a mass felt upon self-examination even if it does not show up on the mammogram image. Your physician will want to aspirate the mass using a needle or may biopsy it or remove it entirely.

Limitations of Mammography

While mammography represents the number one tool physicians use to detect and diagnose breast cancer in its earliest stages, it is not foolproof. Mammography technology cannot detect abnormalities in the 10 percent of women with dense breasts. Studies show that these women can combine regular mammograms with manual examinations by a medical professional to increase their rate of early detection to over 90 percent.

The mammogram equipment cannot penetrate silicon or saline breast implants. Because of this, approximately 25 percent of breast tissue will not be included in mammography images. Women with breast implants should tell staff at the mammography facility that they have implants as the procedure for women with implants takes considerably longer. The technician will take four more views in addition to the four standard views for mammograms. There is a slight chance the implant may rupture during or shortly after the procedure, but the benefits far outweigh the risk.

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