Did you know mammograms are still the best tool for breast cancer screening? It is true,and U.S.Food and Drug approves mammography to help keep you safe.
How Does the Test Work-and Is It Painful?
A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray picture of the breast.Getting a mammogram is the best way to find breast cancer early,because it can show breast lumps when they are too small for you or your health care provider to feel them. Thermograms and nipple aspirate tests are not substitutes for mammograms.You should ask your health care provider when and how often you should schedule a mammogram,says Helen J.Barr,M.D.,director of the Division of Mammography Quality Standards in FDA's Center for Devices and Radio logical Health(CDRH)
To get a mammogram,you will need to take off your shirt or your bra.While standing in front of the Machine,a technologist will position your breast on a small platform.A clear plastic plate will press down on your breast while acquiring the mammogram.If you are worried about how the procedure feels,you should know that most women do not find it painful.Some women may find the pressure on the breast uncomfortable,but it lasts for only few seconds."Compression of the breast is important because it helps spread out the breast tissue so it doesn't overlap,allowing better visualization,"explains Barr.As a rule,you should call your health care provider if you notice any change in either of your breasts.A lump,thickening or nipple leakage or changes in how the nipple looks can signal a potential problem.
Difference between 3D and 2D Mammograms?
Advanced mammography devices that perform 3D digital breast tomosynthesis,a technology that creates cross-sectional (3D) images of the breast from X-rays taken from multiple angles.These devices provide informative images of the breast tissue and are helpful in evaluating dense breast tissue. "Dense breast tissue can make cancers more difficult to find on a mammogram," says Barr.After conducting premarket reviews,FDA determined that there was reasonable assurance that the new 3D devices were safe and effective for their intended use."FDA's approval of 3D mammography devices was based on a review of clinical studies involving multiple radiologists and hundreds of cases," says Ochs."FDA also sought input on the safety and effectiveness of the devices from a panel of non-FDA clinical and technical experts.You can ask your doctor if 3D mammography of additional 3D imaging methods,such as ultrasound or MRI,is an option for you.Ochs adds,"The results from multiple studies show that the combination of 3D & 2D imaging can improve breast cancer screening for all."
Facility Certification
Please note that FDA, or FDA-approved certifying agencies,certifies mammogram facilities and "Consumers should look for that certificate which should be prominently displayed."