About Mammography
It’s a routine imaging test
Getting your breast screening done is a routine matter and there is nothing to be anxious about.
In most cases 3D Mammo, which is also called Tomosynthesis by Doctors, allows them to tell you that – “I was able to see through the different layers and things really look good, and I am highly confident that things are ok”. That confidence, provided by the 3D Mammo technology makes both the woman undergoing Mammo and the radiologist feel much better.
What happens during the Mammography Session?
A radiologist and a technician together may be involved in your screening using the Mammography system. The actual imaging process may take 10 minutes on a 3D mammogram but the whole process that includes changing clothes, taking the image, making sure that the images are clear etc. may take slightly longer – about an hour. During a mammogram, your breasts are compressed between two firm surfaces to spread out the breast tissue. Then an X-ray captures black-and-white images of your breasts that are displayed on a computer screen and examined by a doctor.
When can I get my results?
It may take a day or two for you to get the results depending on the centre. A bit of anxiety during this period is very common amongst patients. Chances are extremely high that your breasts are healthy. Hence please don’t panic.
Is the radiation from Mammography harmful to me?
Mammography is a safe procedure says Mayo Clinic1, one of the world’s most reputed hospitals. A 3D mammography system produces high quality breast images with low doses of radiation well under prescribed guidelines. The level of radiation in today’s mammograms does not increase the risk of breast cancer for women who get regular, annual mammograms. Additionally, a mammogram is the best way to detect breast cancer early – even before it can be identified during physical exam. The benefits of early detection and treatment outweigh any possible harm from the very low dose radiation exposure2.
1https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/3d-mammogram/about/pac-20438708#:~:text=A%203D%20mammogram%20is%20a,a%20low%20level%20of%20radiation
2https://www.wakerad.com/expert-feature/how-much-radiation-is-in-a-mammogram/
Do many get recalled after the first Mammogram session?
Recall mostly takes place when the image shows something suspicious but not enough for Doctors to conclude whether it is a harmless tissue or cancer. About 4 in 100 screened women may get recalled and usually 3 of these 4 will not have breast cancer1.
Recall rates were 40% lower with a 3D mammography compared to conventional 2D digital mammography.2
A large study by Dr Emily Conant from Pennsylvania University that compared the results of 3D mammograms and conventional 2D digital mammograms done on 96,269 women age 40 to 74 says that screening with 3D mammography simultaneously improves breast cancer detection while reducing false-positive recalls2.
1https://breastcancernow.org/about-us/news-personal-stories/ive-been-recalled-after-mammogram-have-i-got-breast-cancer#:~:text=Most%20women%20are%20recalled%20because,if%20you’ve%20had%20one
2https://www.breastcancer.org/research-news/3d-mammos-more-likely-to-find-small-invasive-bc#:~:text=Screening%20with%203D%20mammography%20also,to%20conventional%202D%20digital%20mammography
What is a breast biopsy? Who needs it?
Breast biopsy involves the removal of a very small amount of breast tissue under local anaesthesia using a needle from the suspected area for further examination. A small percentage of women undergoing mammogram may be asked to also undergo biopsy. Of all women who receive regular mammograms, about 10 percent1 will get called back for further testing and of those, 80% will not have cancer2. Your chances of being diagnosed with cancer after a call-back are small, but your doctor wants to be sure there is no cancer present.
1https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/news/publications/health-matters/mammograms-facts-on-false-positives
2https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-biopsy
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of Hologic Inc.
© All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a product solicitation or promotion where such activities are prohibited. The content does not represent the position
of Hologic Inc.