Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy is an NABL & NABH Accredited Diagnostic Centre that offers excellent radiology diagnostic imaging and provides bilateral breast screening mammography. Mammography is a type of X-ray that doctors use to examine the breasts, which can sometimes be used to find breast cancer or if the doctor is worried about having cancer in the breast, even if there are no symptoms. A mammogram of both breasts provides the breast doctor with information that allows him/her to analyze the breast tissue and arrive at a diagnosis.

About X-Ray Mammography: Breast Screening

A mammogram is a diagnostic imaging technique that takes X-rays of both breasts as a way to determine the signs of breast cancer at an early stage in both breasts. For women, it is regularly recommended to have mammograms on schedule for their age, risk factors, and medical recommendations, and to be screened for symptoms of a breast condition. A mammogram can help find small masses or clusters of small calcium deposits and changes in the tissue which may require further investigation. In a low-risk family, screening is the right way to detect breast abnormalities before they become noticeable.

What is X-ray Mammography Breast Screening?

With a special type of low-dose X-ray, mammography can create detailed images of breast tissue. While the patient is being inspected, each breast is gently compressed between two plates for clear images and to minimize radiation exposure. Typically, a basic screening mammogram is performed in both conventional (angle) views of both breasts. The images will be reviewed by the radiologist to look for any suspicious changes, asymmetries, masses, calcifications, or abnormalities. A cancer diagnosis is not made from mammograms. If a suspicious finding occurs, the patient may need additional imaging, clinical evaluation, and biopsy for a more specific diagnosis to be established.

Common Reasons for X-Ray Mammography: Breast Screening

• Routine (routine) Breast Cancer Screening: To detect early changes in the breast in women who do not have any apparent changes in their breast.
• Age-appropriate screening; may be based on age and individual risk factors – screening guidelines.
• Family History of Breast Cancer: Can assist with a screening plan as recommended by their doctor for those with a family history of breast cancer.
• Personal History of Breast Abnormalities: May be included in follow-up care plans as necessary for those who have had previous breast abnormalities or treatment; however, this will be discussed on a case-by-case basis based on clinical advice.
• Breast Tissue Assessment: Used to detect changes that might not be felt when examining the breast.
• Previous Mammograms: This enables comparisons to be made with previous mammograms to see whether or not there has been any change with time.
• High Risk Screening Plans: May be applied in an Individual Surveillance Plan for high-risk persons for breast cancer.
• Baseline Breast Imaging: May be ordered clinically, if appropriate.

Conditions Evaluated

Suspicious Breast Masses

During mammography, any masses (or areas where the consistency of the breast tissue is different) can be determined. Some will turn out to be normal; others may need more imaging or biopsy of tissue.

Microcalcifications

It is possible for very tiny bits of calcium to show up on mammograms. A few microcalcifications could be suggestive of a pattern that requires further evaluation because of the potential for early breast cancer or other breast abnormalities.

Breast Cancer Screening Findings

Important imaging abnormalities that may indicate breast cancer are developed asymmetries, architectural distortion, suspicious calcifications, and masses, which can be detected by screening mammography. If an abnormality is found, additional diagnostic testing might be required.

Asymmetry in Breast Tissue

On a mammogram, changes in breast shape or density can be a sign of breast cancer. Results can be compared to previous images and additional views, in order to decide if further investigation is needed.

Architectural Distortion

Imaging techniques are sometimes able to detect areas of altered normal breast architecture. These findings may have a few causes and/or further imaging or evaluation may be required.

Benign Breast Changes

With mammography, some non-cancerous, or benign, changes in the breast appear, such as some cyst-associated changes, fibroadenoma-like changes, and other non-cancerous changes. Depending on the findings, other imaging can be requested to give more information on the specific findings seen.

Changes Compared with Previous Mammograms

If they are looking at an image today compared with images from the past, the radiologist can tell where there is a new or changed area of interest and determine if there is a need for further investigation or follow-up.

Why Choose Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy?

Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy is an NABL & NABH Accredited Diagnostic Centre offering Radiology, Nuclear Medicine, and Pathology services. Our imaging procedure is designed around the proper technique, quality of image acquired, comfort of the patient, and easy reporting. The patients are supported during the mammogram technique in order to help them have a smooth and efficient imaging procedure.

Book Your X-Ray Mammography for Breast Screening

If you and your doctor agree it is important to undergo a cancer screen with a mammogram on both your breasts, contact Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy for a screening mammogram. If possible, bring any prescriptions, prior mammograms, breast ultrasound reports, etc and be sure to note and bring any questions and concerns. The radiologist can use previous imaging to compare breast tissue over time and more effectively determine if there are any differences.