What is Diagnostic Mammography?
A diagnostic mammogram is an X-ray examination of the breasts. This is performed when unusual signs or symptoms are discovered in one or both breasts, i.e. a lump, tenderness, nipple discharge or skin changes. The mammogram confirms whether the changes are benign (non-cancerous) and no treatment is needed, or whether the changes indicate breast cancer, with further tests and treatment required.
Breast Tomosynthesis (3D Mammography)
Insight Clinical Imaging is also proud to offer Breast Tomosynthesis at select clinics. Breast tomosynthesis (also known as 3D mammography) is an advancement on the traditional mammogram which allows our expert radiologists to quickly and very precisely examine breast tissue in thin slices, typically one millimetre in thickness. Breast Tomosynthesis improves the detection of invasive breast cancers by 40% and significantly reduces the number of ‘false positive’ findings, decreasing the need for additional mammographic views.
How do I prepare for Diagnostic Mammography?
If you have menstrual or monthly periods it is best to have your diagnostic mammogram one week after the start of your period. The breasts will not be as tender at this time, and you will not feel as much discomfort or pain for the few seconds when the breasts are pressed between two plates to take the X-ray images.
If you have breast implants, please let us know so they can schedule a longer appointment. This is because with the presence of implants, it takes more time to make sure clear images are taken.
Don’t wear any deodorant, perfume, lotion or talcum powder on the day of your appointment because these substances may show up as shadows on your mammogram. Wear a two piece outfit so you only need to undress from the waist up. Bring any previous mammograms with you to your appointment so they can be compared with the diagnostic mammogram.
What happens during Diagnostic Mammography?
When you have undressed, a radiographer will explain the mammography procedure to you and ask a few questions around prior mammograms, family history of breast disease etc. Your breasts will then be put, one at a time, between two special plates and compressed (pressed down) between the plates by the X-ray machine for a few seconds while X-rays are taken.
Two views of each breast are performed as a minimum.
The mammography and the compression are performed by a specially trained radiographer. While the compression may be uncomfortable and perhaps painful it lasts only seconds. Without compression, the X-rays would be blurry which makes it hard to see any abnormality. Compression also reduces the amount of radiation required for the mammogram.
What are the risks of Diagnostic Mammography?
Like all X-rays, having a mammogram exposes you to some radiation, but only a small amount. Such risk is far outweighed by the benefit of early detection of breast cancer, significantly reducing the death rate from the disease.
The risk of developing cancer from a mammogram is no greater than developing cancer from exposure to the natural background radiation accumulated from the normal environment in 1 year.
If you have breast implants there is an extremely small risk of damage to the implant.
It is important to note that mammography does not detect all breast cancers, even when the cancer has caused a lump that can be felt. In such a circumstance, a normal mammogram does not mean that the lump can be ignored. In this situation, other diagnostic tests such as breast ultrasound and needle biopsy may be necessary to find out the cause of the lump.
