Mammography is a type of medical examination procedure focused on the diagnostic of the mammal gland’s condition.
INDICATIONS FOR MAMMOGRAPHY EXAMINATION
The mammography procedure is the main diagnostic technique which enables the detection of various pathologies of the mammal glands including oncologic diseases. This is a screening diagnostic method which is performed as part of disorder prevention activities. Unlike ultrasonic diagnostic which is appointed based on indications, this X-ray examination is mandatory for all women of a certain age even if they have no manifestations of a disorder.
THE PROCEDURE OF MAMMOGRAPHY
During the examination, the patient’s breast is placed between the mammography station’s plates, and images from different angles are produced.
Presently, new examination techniques are available that expand the diagnostic potential considerably and reduce radiation exposure of the patient. These techniques include: digital mammography, digital tomosynthesis and contrast-enhanced spectral mammography. Digital mammography is a technique very similar to conventional tomography, but more safe and accurate.
Contrast-enhanced spectral mammography (CESM) uses X-rays of various power levels to generate two different sections. Following the introduction of contrast medium, angiogenesis areas (i.e., areas where fine blood vessel growth occurs) are highlighted on the resulting image. These processes may potentially be related to the formation of malignant neoplasms. In this manner, CESM reduces the ambiguity of diagnosis in complicated cases, and enables physicians to diagnose breast cancer with a higher certainty, accuracy and promptness to avoid costly and invasive biopsy studies.
Tomosynthesis is a special type of mammography technique which produces a three-dimensional image of the mammal gland. The technique uses low-dose X-ray radiation emitted at varying angles. During a tomosynthesis study, the mammal gland is placed within the station and compressed, just as during a regular mammography procedure, however the X-ray tube of the station moves around the mammal gland in an arc. The process takes only 10 seconds. The information is fed to the computer which generates a 3D image of the mammal gland. X-ray exposure during tomosynthesis is the same as during a conventional mammography.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Absolute contraindications include:
- pregnancy;
- breast feeding.
presence of breast implants requires a previous consultation with a radiology specialist.
PREPARATION FOR THE COMPUTER TOMOGRAPHY PROCEDURE
Not required.
HOW TO MAKE MAMMOGRAPHY IN RKMC
To conduct the study, the patient must have a doctor's referral .
- Call the Contact Center to schedule an appointment
- Conclude an agreement for the provision of paid services at the reception (show the referral from the doctor to the medical registrar)
- Pay the invoice at the cash desk of the RCMC or via ЕРИП (SSIS: Single Settlement and Information Space)
- Get a mammogram at the appointed time.
