What is the significance of prophylaxis?

Tumors, incl. Breast cancer can be relatively easily detected by an examination called mammography (an X-ray of the mammary gland). This is even more important when cancer is at an early stage of development and is still difficult to establish by self-examination. In these cases, spot-like shadows (micro calcifications) can only be identified as the only symptom of initial cancers in canal and lobular cancer before a lump is formed. Around two years of cancer, development is needed to establish the body by palpation. Mammography’s main task is to detect the tumor or lump before it becomes palpable or self-diagnosed.

What is mammography?

Mammography is a specific imaging method in which the structures of the mammary gland are visualized with a relatively low dose of X-ray radiation. Several pathological changes - cystic transformation, calcifications, and tumors may be read by mammography. This is the only method of screening breast cancer. With its help, small lesions that cannot be palpated can be visualized. Mammography is used for both diagnostic purposes for patients with clinical complaints and with a prophylactic purpose of early detection of breast cancer.

Whom are the mammography examinations for?

Prophylactic examinations are for women without complaints. The goal of prevention is to monitor the condition of the mammary gland and to determine any change in time. As a prophylactic method for women without family history, it is recommended that the first mammograms be made after 35 years of age. However, for ladies with family burden, mammography prevention should begin at about 30 years of age.
For women under 35 years of age that have no complaints and no family burden, echo mammography is recommended (ultrasound examination of the mammary gland). This examination is more appropriate for this age group because it does not use X-rays and allows the depiction of thick young breasts. Read more about ultrasound mammography HERE.

How the examination goes?

It is recommended that the day of the examination the patient not to use deodorant, powders, or other cosmetic products under the arms, as they could blur and make it difficult to interpret the resulting X-ray image. During the examination, the patient should take off her clothes to the waist and, also - her jewelry. The mammary gland is placed between two planes by light and metered pressure for a few seconds. X-rays (two projections) of the mammary gland are performed with the X-ray machine. A specialist in imaging diagnostics controls the examination.

In Dr. Shterev Hospital, we have exact equipment for quality X-ray diagnosis of the mammary glands. We have some of the best mammography experts  working in our hospital to make you sure and confident with your health. For patients under the age of 35, we recommend that the mammary gland is examined with an echograph.