Mammography is the x-ray study using specialized equipment called mastograph , is used to look for abnormalities in the breast and helps detect cancer in its early stages, when it is not yet palpable by the medical staff or by yourself. Decade 100 mammograms with abnormal result, 40 are cancer.
It has proven to be the method more effective for early detection of breast cancer, since it is capable of detecting 80 to 90 percent of cancers in women, without signs or symptoms.
Through the images that are reviewed by a radiologist, it is identified if there is any tumor which may be benign or with signs of a possible cancer. mammography it does not prevent breast cancer, it only helps to find it if it is present. In women under 40 years of age, it is not indicated because the breast tissue, at that age, is dense and does not allow the study to be reliable.
How many types of mammography are there?
There are two types of mastography, detection and diagnosis:
screening mammography, it is recommended every two years to women from 40 to 69 years of age, without presenting suspicious signs or symptoms.
On the part of the diagnostic mastographyyou owe it indicate a doctor when the clinical examination or the result of the screening mammography shows any suspicious lesion. This type of mammography is performed in some hospitals, health centers, clinics or mobile units where there is mastograph.
What is the mammography procedure like?
The study is carried out in a few minutes, where the procedure is as follows:
– They will give you a child and you will be asked to remove your clothing from the waist up.
– They will place her standing in front of the mammographer, the radiology technician will guide you to recharge one of your breasts between two special plates, which will be compressed for a few seconds while the x-ray is taken, then proceed in the same way with the other breast.
– The sinuses must be compressed firmly to take a good radiograph, this compression is necessary to obtain quality images with the least amount of radiation possible. Not all women feel the same, for some it is annoying and for others it is painful.
Points to consider
Although it is a quick process, the following recommendations should be taken into account:
– Do not use in chest or armpits, deodorant, perfume, lotion, cream, powder or any other product, since the particles of these can alter the image of the mammography.
– To speed up the process, two-piece clothing is recommended, as you will be asked to remove clothing from the waist up.
– It is not necessary to shave the armpit.
In the services of Secretary of Health, mammography is free for women affiliated with Seguro Popular, If you are not registered, ask the social worker of the health unit to carry out the corresponding procedure.
Contrary to widespread myths, there is no evidence that the risk of inducing thyroid cancer or any other type of cancer is increased. The radiation emitted by the mammograph is minimal and is directed directly at the breast.
It may interest you: The PRI bench proposes that workers go to a timely diagnosis of cancer
–
