What is Mammogram, and how its work?

What is a mammogram?

A mammogram is a low-dose radiology imaging procedure used to detect abnormal breast tissue growth or changes. As a result, a mammogram can be used as a screening procedure to detect changes in breast tissue that can lead to breast cancer, or as a diagnostic procedure to rule out suspicious breast abnormalities such as a breast lump, breast pain, nipple thickening, or nipple discharge.

How does a mammogram see breast cancer?

The human breast consists of 15 to 20 sections called lobes, each lobe has many smaller lobules, which end in dozens of tiny bulbs that can produce milk. Lobes and lobules are connected to thin tubes called ducts, which lead to nipples in the centre of a dark area of skin called the areola. The spaces between lobules and ducts are filled with fats. 

Under the x-ray, lobes and lobules can be seen as white and opaque, while fats appear darker and translucent. As a result, low radiation x-ray is used as an imaging source to image breast tissue and detects abnormalities such as tiny calcium deposits or calcifications, solid masses and cysts within tissues, asymmetries of tissue pattern, and architectural distortion of tissues.

There are currently two types of mammogram machines. The first is a standard or two-dimensional mammogram, in which the breast is compressed from two different angles while x-rays are taken, once from top to bottom and once from side to side. Another is a three-dimensional mammogram, in which machines move in a small arc around the breast while x-rays are taken and images are processed into a series of thin slices containing more than 300 individual images.

Mammograms, both 2D and 3D, are considered safe because they use a low amount of radiation, about 0.4 millisieverts exposed directly to the breast, which is the same amount of radiation a woman would get from her natural surroundings, or background radiation, over approximately 7 weeks. Mammograms, on the other hand, should be avoided if you are pregnant, as radiation exposure during pregnancy can result in birth defects.

Who needs to do a mammogram?

The American Cancer Society recommends that women with an average risk of breast cancer begin having regular screening mammograms at the age of 45 and continue every year until the age of 54 when they can switch to every two years. Women at higher risk, such as those with a family history of breast cancer, those with a genetic predisposition, and those who have had breast cancer, should begin mammograms earlier and may require additional tests such as ultrasound and MRI in combination with a mammogram.

How is a mammogram done?

A mammogram is performed on a mammogram machine. The requirement is that you remove your clothing from the waist up. Your breast will be placed on a plate, and another plate will firmly press your breast from above, maximizing the field of vision and holding your breast while imaging. X-ray images of the breast will be taken in both horizontal and vertical alignment.

Even if compression does not cause permanent harm, a mammogram can be painful for most women, depending on the size of their breasts and how much they need to be pressed. Also, if you are about to get or have your period, your breasts may be more sensitive. As a result, we require you not to have your mammogram the week before or during your period, and it should be done one or two weeks after your period.

Another requirement is that no deodorant, perfume, or powder be worn, as talcum powder would appear as a white spot on the picture. Hormonal breast changes, previous breast surgery, and breast implants can all interfere with x-ray imaging and prevent complete breast visualization. Please consult a radiologist before undergoing any mammogram procedure in this case.

Mammogram at Phyathai 1 International

Phyathai 1 International provides mammogram diagnostic services using three-dimensional digital mammogram machines, which provide a clear picture of the breast in minutes and can be forwarded to our breast cancer specialist for precise diagnosis of any abnormalities. We also offer ultrasound diagnostics to uncover any irregularities not visible on the mammogram image for added precision in identifying breast cancer.

In the event of suspicious abnormalities, we can perform a breast biopsy to identify the tissue, and if the tissue develops into cancer, our multidisciplinary teams of specialists from the Breast Care Center and Great Life Center are ready to provide you with the best procedure for complete breast cancer treatment.

Our mammogram service is done through our specialist Breast Care Center, open daily from 7 am to 5 pm. To ensure the fastest procedure time, We recommend taking a reservation  by phone at number (+66)2-201-4600 ext.3659-60 or by E-mail at [email protected].