Writen by mr. Dimitris Mouzopoulos, Radiologist, Scientific Head of Mammography Laboratory and Radiodiagnostic Department of ANASSA Clinic.
What is digital mammography?
Digital mammography is a radiological examination, with a low dose of radiation, which can reveal various breast diseases, whether they are benign or malignant. It is the test of choice in breast imaging and is the only method that has been proven to reduce mortality from breast cancer in women aged 40-70.
From what age should a woman have a mammogram?
From the age of 40 onwards, every 1-2 years depending on the history and density of the breasts, the woman should have a mammogram.
Along with the mammogram, should an ultrasound check be done?
Especially in young women or women with fairly dense breasts, the ultrasound can additionally clarify areas which are either initially considered suspicious by the mammography, or due to the high density of the breast and the co-projection of the structures cannot be “read” easily, resulting in the possible non-identification of small suspicious lesions. Thus, by using the ultrasound in a second time, we analyze in greater detail, more targeted, possibly suspicious or shadowy areas of the mammogram.
A fully digital mammography (full field digital mammography) operates at ANASSA. How important is the difference with the analog mammogram?
There are quite significant differences. In analog mammography, the recording of the image is done on an x-ray film, which is printed and is not amenable to any conversion or processing in a second time.
In contrast, in digital mammography, the X-rays impact a special digital detector with the lowest dose of radiation and the image is reproduced and stored on a computer for processing and printing. It is an ideal method for young women, women with dense breasts, silicone implants, childless women.
What are the advantages of digital mammography?
The main advantages of digital mammography are the lower dose of radiation by 40-50%, the higher resolution and diagnostic accuracy especially in dense breasts resulting in the detection of a greater percentage of breast cancers, the improvement of the examination conditions (simple placement, shorter duration examination, less compression), the ability to archive and process the image (reduction of repetitions-recall for comparison). In addition there is the possibility of using computer aided diagnosis (CAD).
What does a comprehensive breast exam include?
Initially, the digital mammogram must be performed, followed by a breast ultrasound preferably with a high-definition ultrasound, of new technology, that is, by a Radiologist suitably trained in the breast, and then a clinical assessment by a General Surgeon or Gynecologist Mastologist, so that a further check can be carried out with palpation and overall examination assessment.
Do you think that the value of preventive control has passed into the mentality of women?
In recent years, there has been an improvement and especially young women aged 35-45 start and do their mammography check relatively early, while in older women we notice that the check is usually done later.
In any case, the more regular women are in their screening and the earlier we have a diagnosis, the easier things can be for anything that comes up afterwards. The “weapons” against breast cancer exist, let’s take advantage of them!
ANASSA operates a state-of-the-art Breast Center equipped with a fully digital low-dose radiation mammogram and a high-definition ultrasound with elastography capability, with the main goal of providing a comprehensive and reliable diagnostic approach to breast problems.