Principles of mammography

Mammography is an imaging technology that shoots breast tissue by emitting X-rays. 3D three-dimensional mammography combines multiple images into a three-dimensional image to provide doctors with a complete and clear set of three-dimensional images. Detecting subtle changes in breast tissue, 3D technology also improves the problem of overlapping breast tissue in traditional 2D mammography, greatly improving diagnostic accuracy.

Application

Mammography can assist in diagnosing benign breast problems such as breast hygromas, hygromas, fibroids, etc. In addition, imaging technology has been widely used in breast cancer screening. Early diagnosis of breast cancer can reduce the chance of cancer cells metastasizing to lymph nodes and improve the cure rate.Safety instructions

• The X-rays released by mammography contain ionizing radiation, and the amount of radiation is similar to traditional X-ray examinations. If a woman suspects or is confirmed to be pregnant, plans to breastfeed, or is breastfeeding, she should inform the medical staff before the examination. Although the radiation from X-rays may not harm the health of the fetus or affect the milk, if feasible, the doctor may recommend that the patient undergo an examination through another imaging diagnostic method, such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance, to prevent the fetus or milk from being affected by radiation.

Check process

Preparation before inspection

• If a woman suspects or is confirmed to be pregnant, plans to breastfeed or is breastfeeding, she should inform the medical staff before the examination.
• Women’s breasts may feel tender and swollen before or during menstruation. You can wait 1 to 2 weeks after your menstruation to arrange for a check-up.
• Since patients need to take off their upper body clothing during the examination, it is recommended to wear loose-fitting clothing, such as a shirt and pants, on the day of the examination. You should also avoid wearing jewelry or valuables on the day of the examination
• Do not use deodorant, antiperspirant, perfume, moisturizer, or talcum powder on your armpits or other parts of your upper body as this may cause spots that look like calcification in the image.

Check process

• During the examination, you need to stand naked in front of the mammography X-ray machine, and follow the instructions to place your breasts between the examination table and the pressure plate.
• The pressure plate will clamp the breast up and down and left and right respectively for X-ray photography. You may feel discomfort or pain during the process, but it usually only lasts for a few seconds.
• The radiologist will take pictures of both sides of the patient’s breasts, two on each side, for a total of four sets of images. The radiologist may decide whether to perform additional contrast imaging depending on the situation

Instructions after inspection

• After completing the examination and the medical staff confirm that the patient does not have any discomfort or allergic reaction, the patient can leave
• Medical staff will contact the patient to follow up on the examination report.