Jyoti Priya Deonarine (RR)
Mammographer
Pink Hibiscus Breast Health Specialist
'Selfies' is the new trending photography style chosen by many. We are now in the age in which pictures are being taken to mark each and every event in our lives.Then, why not have pictures taken of your breasts which can tell if you are cancer free, or get an early detection for a better prognosis.
Photography is the art of producing images of objects on sensitized surfaces by the chemical action of light or other forms of radiant energy inclusive of x-rays.Mammography is a radiological examination of the breasts for breast cancer detection.
Therefore, to make it simple ladies, having your mammograms done is like taking pictures of your breasts.The low-dose x-rays used are invisible electromagnetic energy beams which produce images of internal tissues. Imagine how amazing it is to see what is inside of you to help determine your breast health status.
I a mammographer and, luckily for me, my hobby is photography, so I have won in both ways, my clients are always posing to have their photos taken, hence it's easier to translate to women the simplicity of having a mammogram done with the modern technology which exists.
Digital mammography continues to be the gold standard for screening for early-stage breast cancer, as it provides higher image detail and quality.Sometimes a doctor may recommend a screening mammogram versus a diagnostic mammogram; there is no reason to panic as they are both mammograms.
However, a screening mammogram is used to check for breast cancer in women who do not have any signs or symptoms of the disease, whilst a diagnostic mammogram is used to check for breast cancer when the patient complains of having a breast lump, pain nipple discharge, or some other sign or symptom of the disease.
Mammograms do not prove that an abnormal area is a cancer however, the appearances on mammography can initiate and raise the significance of having a biopsy (needle test or surgical) done.
A mammogram consists primarily of four basic pictures of the breast in two views so, the process is very simple; your breast is placed on a special platform and is compressed with a clear plastic paddle, metal is no longer used. Compression helps with a few things:
To even out the mass of breast tissue so that all tissues can be visualised and have uniform thickness.Spread out all tissues so that any abnormality can be seen and less likely hidden by overlying breast tissue.Allow the use of lower x-ray dose, since a thinner amount of tissue is being images.
Stability; holding the breast still in order to minimise blurring of the image caused by motion. After all, our breasts are attached to our chest, which moves with breathing.
The two routine views for a mammogram are the "Craniocaudal" (CC)–top to bottom view and the "Medio-lateral Oblique" (MLO)–which is an angled side view. Patients are asked to hold still in these positions once compression is enforced, sometimes a breathing technique may be used. It's just like telling someone to "smile" or "say cheese" when taking a regular photograph.
The process of taking each picture is done in mere minutes, however it's the articulation and positioning of the breasts properly by the mammographer which requires the most time, just like getting the right pose.
So yes ladies, having your mammogram is as simple as having your picture taken, as it is a pain-free process and it's done within minutes.Just like with your regular photography, your mammogram images can be altered and manipulated by the radiologist (specialised doctor in diagnosing and treating diseases) for a better and complete diagnosis.
Don't hesitate, book an appointment now to have your digital mammogram and become aware of your breast health status.