Frequently Asked Questions About Mammography Answered

Most Frequently Asked Questions About Mammography Answered Breast cancer is among the most common and most frequently fatal cancers in women today. Breast cancer occurs in one out of every 8 women in our country, and since the population is young, one in every 2 breast cancers develops in women under 50 years of age. Within the scope of 15 October Breast Health Day, Radiology Specialist Prof. Dr. Erkin Arıbal answered the most frequently asked questions about mammography, which every woman should undergo regularly for early diagnosis of breast cancer. Prof. Dr. Ersin Arıbal, Radiology Specialist at Acibadem Altunizade Hospital, stated that mammography is the most effective method with proven success in detecting breast cancer today and in population screenings. Arıbal said: "Studies have shown that early diagnosis with mammography reduces the risk of death from breast cancer by up to 45 percent. The fundamental issue here is developing awareness of breast health and giving importance to individualized approaches for optimal breast examination. Although mammography is the basic screening method, mammography alone may not be sufficient in every woman. In such cases, auxiliary techniques may be needed." Arıbal answered the seven most frequently asked questions about mammography. QUESTION: What is mammography and how is it performed? ANSWER: Mammography is an imaging method that works with x-rays. The breast is placed between a detector that perceives the image and a compression plate. Then slight pressure is applied to thin the breast and an image is captured. The main purpose of thinning the breast in this way is to minimize x-ray dose and provide sharper images. Today, in addition to conventional mammography, three-dimensional mammography defined as tomosynthesis (providing more precise examination) and contrast-enhanced mammography methods are also used. Contrast-enhanced mammography is performed by administering medication intravenously, and this provides images with sensitivity close to MRI. QUESTION: Why should I have a mammogram? ANSWER: Mammography is a method whose effectiveness in breast cancer screening has been proven, and its most important feature is that it detects cancers that cannot be seen on ultrasound and are in the earliest stage; cancers that have just begun to develop within the milk ducts. In this way, the tumor is detected before it becomes invasive, that is, before it transforms into an aggressive type that spreads outside the duct.

Women Should Undergo Routine Mammography Screening Every Year After Age 40

QUESTION: At what age should mammography screening begin? ANSWER: Radiology Specialist Prof. Dr. Erkin Arıbal points out that every healthy woman should perform self-examination starting from age 20 and should begin routine mammography screening every year after age 40, stating: "Those with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer should consult a breast disease center and have their risks calculated. In fact, depending on the person's risk status, screening age can be as low as 25 years old, and screening methods such as breast MRI or contrast-enhanced mammography can be added to mammography." Prof. Dr. Erkin Arıbal emphasizes that women without family or personal risk should also learn about their breast density when they start having mammograms at age 40, stating: "In fact, women with dense breast tissue may need additional examination with ultrasound, breast MRI or contrast-enhanced mammography depending on the breast density." QUESTION: Does breast pain or discomfort occur during mammography? ANSWER: In mammography, it is very important that the breast is thinned through compression and imaged. This compression allows the breast to receive less radiation and produces clearer images. However, if this compression is performed by inexperienced personnel, it can be uncomfortable and, for example, cause pain. Additionally, since breast tissue can be more sensitive before menstruation, it is important to have the mammogram performed after the menstrual period has passed.

More Detailed Examination Can Be Performed With New Technological Advances

QUESTION: Is there any harm from mammography to our health? ANSWER: Radiology Specialist Prof. Dr. Erkin Arıbal says: "Mammography does not harm the breast, and it can be safely performed even in women with silicone implants." QUESTION: What should I pay attention to before mammography? ANSWER: Prof. Dr. Erkin Arıbal points out that deodorants or creams, especially those that are aerosol or powder-based, should not be used before mammography, warning: "Because such substances remaining on the skin can create misleading images." QUESTION: What are the latest developments in mammography? ANSWER: There have been many innovations in converting mammography to digital format. First, tomosynthesis mammography enabled the transition from 2-dimensional to 3-dimensional examination. In addition, contrast-enhanced mammography technique was developed. Thanks to these techniques, information similar to breast MRI, that is, much more detailed information can be obtained in the examined areas, and it can be safely used in cases where breast MRI cannot be performed.