## Mammography: A Comprehensive Guide
**Introduction**
Mammography is a type of medical imaging that uses low-dose X-rays to examine the breasts for abnormalities. It is primarily used to detect breast cancer, but it can also identify other breast conditions.
**Procedure**
A mammogram is performed by a specially trained technologist. The patient stands facing the machine and is asked to place each breast on a platform. The technologist positions the breast and uses a compressor to flatten it. This allows the X-rays to pass through the breast more clearly.
The X-rays are taken from two different angles, providing a comprehensive view of the breast tissue. The entire procedure usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
**Diagnosis**
Mammography can detect various breast abnormalities, including:
– **Breast cancer:** Mammography is the most effective screening tool for breast cancer, which is the most common cancer among women. It can detect both early-stage and advanced-stage breast cancer.
– **Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS):** This is a pre-cancerous condition where abnormal cells are found in the milk ducts.
– **Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC):** This is the most common type of invasive breast cancer, which starts in the milk ducts and spreads to other breast tissue.
– **Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC):** This type of breast cancer starts in the milk glands.
– **Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS):** This is a pre-cancerous condition where abnormal cells are found in the milk glands.
– **Paget’s disease of the breast:** This is a rare type of breast cancer that starts in the nipple.
**Importance**
Mammography is an essential screening test for women at risk of breast cancer. Regular mammograms can help detect breast cancer at an early stage, when it is most treatable.
**Alternatives**
Other imaging tests that can be used to diagnose breast cancer include:
– Ultrasound of the breast
– Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the breast
**Preparation**
There is no special preparation required before a mammogram. However, it is important to inform the technologist if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
**Duration**
The mammogram procedure itself takes about 15-20 minutes. Results are typically available within a few days.
**Recommendations**
The American Cancer Society recommends that women at average risk of breast cancer get mammograms every year starting at age 40. Women with a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors may need to start getting mammograms earlier.
Other tests that may be recommended in conjunction with or following a mammogram include:
– Breast ultrasound
– Breast MRI
– Breast biopsy
