This study is recommended to be conducted regularly once a year for all women over the age of 40 as part of screening. In the presence of pathological formations, skin changes, discharge from the nipples is performed immediately after consulting a specialist.
The study is conducted from the 5th to the 14th day of the cycle, for menopausal women – on any day and takes no more than 10 minutes.
The principle of tomosynthesis is a sequence of fixed-distance tomograms followed by the formation of 3D images.
Many worldwide studies prove that digital mammography with tomosynthesis can detect breast cancer at an earlier stage than standard digital X-ray mammography, as it provides a detailed cross-sectional image of suspicious areas. One of the advantages of the method is the comfort of the procedure, since there is no need for strong compression of the mammary gland. In some countries, tomosynthesis is a separate diagnostic method.
The purpose of a mammographic examination is to identify various pathologies, including breast cancer, before they become noticeable during a physical examination or manifest themselves as any symptoms. Mammography is an important part of the breast cancer prevention program, but the method has limitations, so the most informative study to date is breast MRI.
According to the standard approach, the X-ray method of breast examination is used as a screening measure for the diagnosis of diseases in women over 40 years of age. At an earlier age, studies are performed using ultrasound or MRI if there are indications:
family history of breast cancer;
nodes or seals;
changes in the shape or size of the mammary glands;
discharge of fluids from the nipple (outside lactation);
chest bruises;
painful sensations in the mammary glands or nearby lymph nodes
Starting from the age of 40, the examination is performed every two years. After reaching the age of 50, an X-ray of the mammary glands is performed every year.
Relative contraindications to the procedure are pregnancy and breast–feeding. During these periods, breast tissue is subject to significant changes, which can lead to unreliable results. Breast implants are also not an absolute contraindication to the procedure. The need for research in these cases should be determined by a doctor.
EMC has introduced a short breast MRI protocol with contrast as an alternative to mammography for breast cancer screening. The study is highly accurate, allowing it to identify small formations that are not visible.
Mammological examination is usually performed in the first half of the menstrual cycle (from 5th to 14th day). During menopause, the procedure can be performed at any time.
On the day of the study, do not use cosmetics containing metal salts, as they may affect the image quality. Clothes should be comfortable, it is best to choose something that can be easily removed from above, as you will have to undress to the waist. You will also need to remove all jewelry and metal objects that may distort the results.
Digital mammography with tomosynthesis takes about 10 minutes. During the procedure, the patient stands in front of the device, placing the mammary gland between special plates. A number of shots are taken from different angles. Then they combine to create a three-dimensional image of the breast.
Mammography results are provided in the form of breast images, which the radiologist or mammologist analyzes for the presence of pathological changes. You can usually get a transcript on the day of the study, it is included in the price. In the image, the doctor can detect various signs indicating changes in breast tissue:
Cysts are cavities filled with fluid;
microcalcinates are calcium deposits;
Fibroadenomas are benign neoplasms;
mastopathy – fibrocystic changes;
tumors are malignant neoplasms.
If the doctor detects any of these signs, he may recommend an additional examination, such as an MRI scan of the mammary glands or a biopsy.
If you need to have a mammogram in Moscow, contact the EMC Mammology Clinic. Our radiologists and mammologists of the highest category perform research using modern diagnostic equipment, which allows for maximum accuracy of results.
The results may depend on factors such as the day of the cycle, the patient's age, the availability of implants, and the use of hormone therapy.
You can eat before the examination.
After the procedure, slight discomfort or slight soreness is possible, which quickly pass.
During the study, only light pressure is used to obtain an image. Injury in such a situation is unlikely.
Modern digital devices can reduce the amount of X-ray radiation that a patient receives. The procedure is considered absolutely safe.
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