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Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women that gives excruciating pain, tension, agony and makes life gloomy and despondent. But now, with the help of a breast cancer screening test, it can be easily detected whether a woman’s breasts have cancerous tissues or not. Though breast cancer screening tests will not prevent cancer, this test will help you to diagnose cancer early (before the signs and symptoms appear) so that you can opt for the right treatments.
Mammogram screening is one of the popular screening methods for breast cancer. But there are some other options that you can choose to screen yourself for breast cancer. Your doctor will tell you what types of breast cancer screening will be right for you and when you should go for it.
Test Summary for Mammogram Test
| Is Also known as | Mammogram Screening, 3-D Mammograms, Tomosynthesis) |
| Test Type | Imaging |
| Mammogram includes | X-ray picture of the breast |
| Preparation | No special preparation (avoid using deodorant just before the test) |
| Reporting | Within 24 hrs |
| Test price | The price of a breast screening test may vary from city to city and lab to lab |
| Also included in | Health Insurance Plans |
| Related tests | Breast MRI, Breast ultrasound, molecular breast imaging |
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What Is a Mammogram Test?
A mammogram is an imaging test that takes an X-ray picture of the breast. By using this test, doctors will look for early signs and symptoms of breast cancer. Regular mammograms are the best tests by which doctors can identify breast cancer (sometimes up to three years) before it appears.
5 Common Reasons for Mammography
- Mammography is the best method for screening breast cancer. Talking about the right mammogram age, women above 30 years should go for this test if they have symptoms like a palpable lump, breast skin thickening or indentation, nipple discharge or retraction, erosive sore of the nipple, or breast pain.
- This test is the best to weigh breast pain when physical examination and history are not adequate to give a conclusion.
- Women who have dense, lumpy, or very large breasts should screen for mammography as the physical examination may not give the correct results.
- Women who have a family history of breast cancer should go for regular mammogram screening
- The American College of Radiology (ACR) and the Society of Breast Imaging (SBI) recommend that women should go for mammogram screening at age 40
High-risk women (history of breast cancer, family history, genetic tendency, etc.) should consult with the doctor before going for a mammogram test and must understand the benefits and restrictions of this screening test. They may need some other tests like breast ultrasound, MRI, or other physical examinations.
Test Procedure of Mammography
- First, you need to stand in front of a special X-ray machine
- An experienced technologist will keep your breast on a plastic plate.
- Another plate will be used to firmly press your breast from above. This plate will flatten the breast, holding it still while the X-ray is being taken. You may feel some pressure on your breast.
- These steps will be repeated a few times to make a side view of the breast.
- The other breast will be X-rayed in the same way.
- Your technologist will check four X-rays to ensure that no more tests are required to take pictures.
Your technologist can’t tell you the results of the mammogram. Since breast sizes are not the same for all, hence each woman’s mammogram may look a little different.
What Does Having a Mammogram Feel Like?
A mammogram test is a little bit uncomfortable for most women. Some may feel it is extremely painful. The test actually takes a few minutes; thus, discomforts will be over soon. Depending on the efficiency of the technologist, the size of your breasts, and how much they need to be pressed, you may feel the pain. If you do the test during your menstruation cycle, your breasts could be more sensitive. A radiologist will check the results of the mammogram and will find out the early signs of breast cancer or other problems.
Interpreting Results of Mammography
You will get the result on the same day or within one or two days. The radiologist will check the result and inform you and your doctor about the same.
If the Results Are Abnormal in Mammograms
An abnormal result doesn’t indicate you have breast cancer. You may need to do some other tests or exams before the doctor can tell for sure. You may need to visit a breast specialist who will check your breast exams thoroughly. The doctor will do some diagnostic tests to find out whether there is any breast cancer or not. Â
Women between 40-45 years should go for breast cancer screening with mammograms. 1. Schedule your test date in such a way that your breast is less tender. If you menstruate, choose a date one week after your cycle. The price of a mammography test varies from Rs. 800 to Rs. 3000 depending on the patient. If a woman experiences any changes in color, skin texture, and nipple discharge, should consult a doctor immediately. Experiences are not the same for all. Some women may feel this procedure extremely painful, while for others, it is comfortable. Most women feel some discomfort during the actual X-ray process. The testing equipment generates pressure against your breasts and thus, you will feel pain and discomfort. The entire process takes 15 minutes to complete. Once your test is finished, the technician will check your X-rays and ensure that they don't need to be retaken.FAQs for Mammography
What age should women go for mammogram screening?
Do I need any preparation before the mammogram?
2. Bring prior mammogram images
3. Avoid deodorant before your mammogramWhat is the cost of a mammography test?
Do mammograms hurt?
How long does a mammogram take?
