Mammography Test – The Best Way to Detect Breast Cancer

A mammogram is a simple X-ray test performed to check for the presence of any kind of malignancies in the breast of women with no signs or symptoms of breast cancer. In a mammography test, typically two x-ray images of each breast are obtained. The pictures enable a physician to spot tumors that otherwise cannot be felt during a physical examination against breast cancer.

How is a Mammography Test performed?

During a mammography test, a patient is made to stand in front of the x-ray machine where she is asked to place one of her breasts on the plastic machine plate. Another plate is utilized to firmly press the breast from above and make it flat. X-ray images are obtained for each of the breast from two different angles in order to properly test them for any kind of lumps or tumors of cancer or any other kind of condition.

What Does the Test Feel Like?

Undergoing a mammography test can be a little uncomfortable for many women. Though the test gets over within a couple of minutes, the pressure applied on each breast for obtaining images can cause certain amount of pain. Also, what one feels during the test majorly depends upon the below mentioned circumstances:-

·         The size of the breasts,

·         The pressure applied on each breast,

·         The sensitiveness of the breast due to the onset of periods, and

·         The skills of the technologist conducting the test.

What do the test results indicate?

Normal Mammography Test Result: in case of a normal result, it’s possible that the physician may ask the patient to continue getting mammograms done at regular intervals to compare the results with previous tests and check for any kind of changes in the breasts over time.

Abnormal Mammography Test Result: An abnormal test result may indicate the presence of lumps or tumor in the breast. However, these cannot always be comprehended as malignancies. Additional tests may be ordered to check the authenticity of the reports obtained and further examine the type of condition prevailing.

Can the Radiation Exposure be harmful?

A mammography test makes use of very small amount of radiation. The risk of any kind of harm from such radiation exposure is extremely low. However, repeated exposure can pose effects on the body and can even cause a cancer to build up. Nevertheless, the benefits of a mammography test are high and practically outweigh the minimal or negligible harms of the radiation exposure.