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Q: What is a mammogram, and why are mammograms so important? A: A mammogram is an X-ray image of one’s breasts. Two images are taken of each breast under different compression directions. Mammograms are vitally important and remain the gold standard for screening for breast cancer worldwide, as they are the only form of imaging which can easily detect microcalcifications. These can indicate early breast cancer or preinvasive breast cancer (Carcinoma in situ). They can also detect asymmetry, architectural distortions, and mass lesions before they become palpable. This early detection results in a decreased mortality and morbidity in breast cancer. Q: Tell us briefly about the mammogram procedure, to put women who are afraid at ease. A: Mammograms use very low dose radiation (similar to what you would get on an overseas flight) and the compression is for mere seconds. The machines used today have automatic release, so war stories of being stuck in the machine … this can’t possibly happen in our current machines. Most of our patients can’t believe how “easy, quick and painless” the procedure is. Q: What are the benefits of the 3D mammogram procedure? Is it safe? A: 3D mammography uses tomosynthesis (multiple low dose images are taken and stacked together to make a 3D image). Our computers can then reconstruct a 2D image from the data. Our 3D imaging hence has an even lower radiation dose than the traditional 2D images from the past. The benefit of 3D imaging is enormous. I wouldn’t want to work without it! You can scroll through the breast tissue and see the difference between overlapping breast structures and something that shouldn’t be there. Q: Why may an ultrasound also be needed after your mammogram? A: In patients with dense breast tissue (usually younger patients, but this can also be
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Mammogram 101 OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH, AND WE HAVE DONE A Q&A WITH LAKE, SMIT & PARTNERS RADIOLOGIST SUSAN CHICK
ABOVE: Patient undergoing mammogram. LEFT: Radiologist Susan Chick specialises
in breast imaging.
Q: Can you give us a step-by -step guide on how to do a breast self-exam? A: Step 1: Stand in front of a mirror, look carefully for changes to any part of your breasts – like the shape, size or any discharge. Step 2: Place arm behind head. Using the opposite hand, LAKE, SMIT & gently move your fingertips PARTNERS are in a circular motion. Feel for genetic), the mammogram offering a 10% lumps, thickening or changes. is less sensitive (breast discount to all cash patients during Be thorough. Also check armpits. glandular tissue is white on October Repeat for the other side. a mammogram and so is a Step 3: Feel your breasts while lying cancer, so it can “hide”). In these down using your right hand to feel the left cases, an ultrasound is used to double check breast and then your left hand to feel your for cancer. It can also be used to assess right breast. Use a firm, smooth touch something seen on the mammogram like a with the first few finger pads (not your round density and tell us if it’s a cyst (which fingertips) of your hand, keeping the fingers we can leave alone) or something solid which flat and together in a circular motion. we may need to biopsy.
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