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Most women shudder at the word, "mammogram". Thoughts and visions of their breast being squashed and flattened like a pancake come to mind. Unfortunately, these visions are not all together wrong, however, the fact remains that having a mammogram is one of the most important things a woman can do for herself when it is deemed necessary. Let's find out exactly what a mammogram is and who needs one.
Mammography is the process of taking a special x-ray of the breast. Mammograms can find many breast cancers before you can feel them. They can also give your doctor important information about a breast lump that was found during a self exam or during a doctor's visit.
During the procedure, usually the woman has two mammograms of each breast, one from the side and one from the top. The test is a little painful, or if you prefer, somewhat uncomfortable, but it only takes a few minutes. The procedure works as such: you stand in front of the machine and your breast is placed between two plastic plates. The plates come together pressing on the breast to make it as flat as possible. The breast must be compressed as much as possible in order to find lumps, especially ones that may be small cancers. A radiologist reviews the x-ray and reports any significant findings to the doctor.
A mammogram can often detect lumps that your doctor cannot feel during a regular physical exam. If you are between the ages of 40 and 50 and have a family history of breast cancer, have been diagnosed with or treated for breast cancer, or have a precancerous condition, your doctor may be recommend you have a mammogram every year or two.
Virtually all breast cancers develop from glandular tissue. Therefore, the object of the mammogram should be to visualize the glandular tissue as closely and as clearly as possible, with limited and safe levels of radiation. Most breast cancers occur centrally and laterally in the breasts. It is therefore, certain that your doctor will choose mammographic views which best evaluate these areas the closest.
Your doctor may also suggest you have a baseline mammogram. This is a mammogram done when you are younger to have an initial x-ray in which to compare to when you have one done later in your life or when the time occurs.
If you have had breast cancer in one breast or if you have a history of breast cancer in one or more female family members, you have an increased chance of getting breast cancer in the other breast. Also, women who start their periods early (before age 12) or who enter menopause late, women who give birth to their first child after 30 and women who never have children, are at increased risk of breast cancer. This is because of the hormonal issues. Other possible, but not proven risk factors of breast cancer include: alcohol and tobacco use, obesity, diet high in fat.
If you notice any changes in your breast during self exams (which you should do monthly) let your doctor know. Also let him know if you have a famiy history of breast cancer or fibrosistic cysts. If you would like a baseline mammogram, when you go to your doctor or your gynecologist for a regular exam, you could request this also.
Here are a few tips on making your mammagram experience a little more pleasant, or at least, not so unpleasant: First of all arrange a buddy system. If you have a friend who is also in need of one, have them scheduled together, then make a day of it. Go to lunch together then off to do the mammogram. You will not be having the procedure done together, but you will both be accomplishing something that needs to be done and you will both be offering moral support. Secondly during your exam, it is shown that women who are able to control the compression of the breast, themselves, have less pain and anxiety in the procedure. Studies have shown that women who compress their own breasts get just as good images. If this is not possible, you could arrange with the technician to have a verbal signal (because you have to be still) when you have enough pressure or need relief from the pressure. Most technicians are willing to work with you.
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