1.1 What is mammography?
Mammography is a non-invasive scanning examination that helps doctors assess the structure of the breasts and diagnose pathological changes within the breast.
During a mammography examination, the healthcare provider will instruct the individual being examined to stand shirtless in front of the scanner. The plastic parts of the scanner will compress one breast at a time from top to bottom and from side to side, while X-ray images of the breast tissue are taken. Two images will be captured for each breast during the examination, and the individual may experience some discomfort during the process.
The scanner applies pressure to the breast during the examination to spread the breast tissue and minimize overlapping, thereby increasing accuracy. However, conventional two-dimensional mammography still has the possibility of producing less clear images due to tissue overlap, resulting in reduced accuracy. Recent advancements in three-dimensional (3D) breast imaging mammography have improved the accuracy of the examination.
1.2 How is a mammography examination done?
During the examination, you will need to remove your upper clothing and stand shirtless in front of the scanning machine. Throughout the entire procedure, a female radiographer will accompany you and provide instructions.
The radiographer will instruct you to place your breast on the plastic tray of the scanner, and the plastic portion on the other side of the scanner will slowly move downward, flattening the breast. During the examination, you may experience mild pain and discomfort. Afterwards, the radiographer will instruct you to place the other breast on the scanner in the same manner.
The entire scanning procedure takes approximately twenty minutes, and the imaging results will be analyzed and reported by a specialized radiologist. The scan results are usually available within 24 hours after the examination.
1.3 When would I need a mammography examination?
Breast Screening
The purpose of breast screening is to perform breast examinations on women without clinical symptoms in order to detect early precancerous lesions or in situ cancer for early treatment. Currently, international guidelines recommend that women aged 40 and above should undergo breast screening every two years to ensure that there are no suspicious precancerous lesions or in situ cancers in the breast. Sufficient medical research data supports the effectiveness of breast screening in reducing the incidence and mortality of breast cancer. Therefore, doctors recommend breast screening for women aged 40 and above as a preventive measure against breast cancer.
Women with Clinical Symptoms
If you have noticed clinical symptoms such as breast lumps or nipple discharge, it is important to seek medical attention promptly. Mammography (2D and 3D) and ultrasound examinations are essential diagnostic tools for evaluating breast diseases. Breast cancer is not an incurable disease; with timely diagnosis, early-stage breast cancer can be cured.
1.4 Examination tips
- Please bring any relevant reports, scan films, and CDs related to your breast medical history for the reference and comparison of the radiologist.
- When undergoing the examination, please clearly inform the radiographer about your breast medical history.
- Avoid scheduling a breast mammography examination during the week before or during your menstrual period, as breast swelling may affect the accuracy of the scan. Additionally, the process of compressing the breasts during the examination may cause some discomfort.
- Please wear loose-fitting clothing, preferably a two-piece outfit such as a shirt and pants, for your convenience during the examination.
- On the day of the examination, refrain from applying deodorant or perfume, as these products may appear as white spots on the mammography images.