How is mammography examined?
Mammography is one of the important methods for breast cancer screening and diagnosis. In recent years, with the improvement of health awareness, breast examination has become a hot topic. This article will introduce in detail the process, precautions and related data of mammography examination to help you better understand this examination method.
1. Basic principles of mammography
Mammography is a low-dose X-ray imaging technology that uses X-rays to penetrate breast tissue to form high-contrast images for detecting abnormal structures in the breast (such as masses, calcifications, etc.). Its advantage is that it can detect early microscopic lesions and significantly improve the early diagnosis rate of breast cancer.
| Check type | Applicable people | Recommended frequency |
|---|---|---|
| screening mammography | Women over 40 years old | Once every 1-2 years |
| diagnostic mammography | People with symptoms or abnormalities | According to doctor's advice |
2. Detailed explanation of inspection process
1.Appointment preparation: Avoid the menstrual cycle (recommended 1 week after menstruation) and avoid using skin care products or antiperspirants on the day of examination.
2.Check steps:
| steps | Operating Instructions | Time consuming |
|---|---|---|
| Posture | The breast is placed on the examination table, and the compression plate slowly flattens the tissue. | 2-3 minutes/side |
| Image collection | Shooting from two angles: cranial and caudal and internal and external oblique views | The whole journey takes about 15 minutes |
3.Image analysis: Evaluated by a radiologist and given a diagnostic recommendation using the BI-RADS grading system (see table below).
| BI-RADS classification | clinical significance | Follow-up processing |
|---|---|---|
| Level 0 | Additional inspections are required | Ultrasound or MRI |
| Level 1-2 | normal or benign | Routine follow-up |
| Level 3 | Possibly benign (≤2% malignant) | 6 month review |
| Level 4 and above | Suspicious malignancy | needle biopsy |
3. Precautions and Frequently Asked Questions
1.pain management: Compression may cause discomfort but is usually tolerated and relieved by deep breathing.
2.radiation safety: The radiation dose in a single examination is about 0.4mSv, which is lower than the natural annual radiation dose (3mSv). Pregnant women should be cautious.
3.Accuracy comparison:
| Check method | sensitivity | Specificity |
|---|---|---|
| mammography | 85%-90% | 90%-95% |
| breast ultrasound | 80%-85% | 70%-80% |
4. Latest technological progress
Data in 2023 shows thatThree-dimensional tomography target (DBT)The detection rate is 12% higher than that of traditional mammography, especially suitable for dense breasts. Some high-end institutions have integrated AI-assisted diagnosis systems to increase film reading efficiency by more than 30%.
Summary: Mammography is an important tool for breast cancer prevention and control. It is recommended that high-risk groups (such as family history, gene mutation carriers) start screening at the age of 30. Only by fully communicating with your doctor before the examination and choosing a personalized plan can you maximize your health benefits.
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