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The Necessity, Limitations And Risks Of A Mammogram.


What to expect during a mammogram

A mammogram is not a cure for cancer, but it plays a pivotal role in detecting the disease or any other untoward change in the breast tissue. Early detection of breast cancer is crucial to stop the disease in its tracks and commence the necessary treatment. Despite the growing awareness of mammograms, there are some misconceptions about the procedure, which deters some women from getting it done at the right time.

A mammogram is pretty much like an x-ray. The process is simple and doesn’t take much time. If you are looking to have a mammogram test in Chennai, you can get it done in reputed diagnostic centres that operate with well-trained lab assistants. During a mammogram, an x-ray plate under the breast. A lab assistant will ensure that the breast tissue is spread evenly across the plate before placing a compressor on top of the breast. This will further flatten and spread the tissue, allowing the specialist to take clear images.

A mild discomfort or pain can be expected during the process. Your doctor might ask you to redo the procedure if the images are unclear or if the diagnosis warrants further investigation.

Why mammograms are a medical necessity

A mammogram is a necessary preventive measure that is recommended for all women above 40 irrespective of whether they have any health issues with the breast. A mammogram can be a life-saving procedure for many women as early screening can help to detect any issues that need immediate medical intervention. It is also a non-invasive procedure with minimal or nil discomfort. Patients are exposed to a very limited amount of radiation, so there are no chances of any after-effects of the procedure.

Limitations and risks of mammograms

Mammograms are actually not risky for all women. Pregnant women are strictly not allowed to undergo this procedure, because of the exposure to radiation. Nursing mothers are also advised to avoid feeding the child for at least 48 hours after the procedure. They are also asked to pump and discard all the milk produced during this period.

The accuracy of mammograms are not a hundred percent reliable. The precision of the images depends on the technical skill of the radiologist and other factors such as age and breast tissue density. The breast tissue of younger women tends to be denser than that of older women. Dense breast tissue can obscure any signs of cancer, making it riskier to detect any changes in the breast.

It will do well to remember that a mammogram is not the only diagnostic procedure to detect breast cancer. Some cancers may be too small or may be in a location that is too difficult to be viewed on a mammogram. Some cancers are highly aggressive and can spread rapidly despite being detected early.

Whatever the outcome, it is always advisable to take an annual mammogram after the age of 40, just to be on the safer side. Women with a family history of breast cancer must make it a mandatory procedure. For the most accurate mammogram in Chennai, always visit a reputed diagnostic centre.

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