Mammography: What It Is, How It's Performed, and How Results Are Obtained

Mammography

Mammography is an important radiological imaging method used for breast cancer screening and diagnosis. This method, which is used to examine breast tissue, contributes to early detection and treatment processes. Mammographic imaging is based on the principle of visualizing breast tissue using X-rays. Thanks to the development of advanced technologies such as digital mammography in recent years, mammographic imaging has become more precise and reliable. In this article, we will address questions about what mammography is, how it is performed, and how results are obtained.

What is Mammography?

Mammography is a method of imaging breast tissue using X-rays. Through this method, early detection of breast cancer and other abnormalities becomes possible. During mammography, the breasts are gently compressed between special plates and X-rays are emitted. This allows for the detection of abnormalities in breast tissue such as masses and calcifications (calcium deposits). Mammography is generally recommended for women aged 40 and older and is a screening method that should be repeated at regular intervals.

What is Digital Mammography?

Digital mammography is an imaging method that provides more precise and reliable results compared to conventional mammography. Digital mammography transfers breast tissue images obtained using X-rays to a digital format, thereby obtaining clearer and more detailed images. This method produces more effective results, particularly in women with dense breast tissue. Additionally, digital mammography uses lower radiation doses compared to the conventional method and offers the ability to store and share images on computers. In this way, doctors and specialists can conduct more effective evaluations and contribute to early diagnosis processes.

How is Mammography Performed?

Mammography is a radiological imaging method used to examine and evaluate breast tissue. This method, frequently preferred in breast cancer screenings, allows for early diagnosis and treatment. During mammography, low-dose X-ray images of the breast are obtained using radiation. The stages of mammography are as follows:

• Before mammography, patients need to make certain preparations. First and foremost, it is important not to use deodorant, perfume, powder, and similar substances on the day of imaging, as these can affect image quality. Additionally, wearing comfortable clothing and arriving without a bra can facilitate the imaging process.

• During mammography, patients stand in front of the mammography machine. The breast is positioned smoothly between two plates and gently compressed. This compression allows for flatter examination of the breast and reduces radiation dose. The compression process may be uncomfortable for some patients, but it typically lasts a short time.

• After the breast is compressed, the X-ray machine emits low-dose X-rays and the image of the breast is obtained. Generally, images are taken from two different angles from each breast. This procedure is repeated for both breasts.

• After mammography is completed, the obtained images are examined by a radiologist. The radiologist evaluates abnormal tissue, calcifications, and other possible problems and reports the findings. When necessary, additional tests or imaging methods may be requested.

How are Mammography Results Obtained?

Mammography results are evaluated by a radiologist shortly after imaging and compiled into a report. The report is sent to the patient's physician, and the doctor communicates the results to the patient. The process of obtaining and evaluating mammography results proceeds as follows:

The radiologist examines the mammography images, evaluates abnormal tissue, calcifications, and other possible problems, compiles the results into a report, and sends it to the patient's physician.

The patient's physician examines the report prepared by the radiologist and evaluates the mammography results. Results can be classified as normal or abnormal. Normal results indicate that the breast is healthy, while abnormal results may indicate a situation requiring further investigation.

The physician communicates the mammography results to the patient and recommends additional tests or imaging methods when necessary. Abnormal results do not always mean cancer; sometimes further investigation is needed only to diagnose benign conditions such as cysts or fibroadenomas.

Based on mammography results, the physician plans the patient's follow-up process. Patients with normal results can have repeat mammography at regular intervals, while patients with abnormal results may require additional tests and treatment. Since mammography is an important tool for early diagnosis and treatment, regular screenings are of great importance.

Are There Risks Associated with Mammography?

Mammography is a radiological imaging method used for breast cancer screening. It uses low-dose X-rays to obtain detailed images of breast tissue. In this way, breast cancer signs can be detected before becoming visible to the naked eye, and early treatment can positively influence the course of the disease. However, there are some concerns about the risks of mammography.

The risks of mammography can be listed as follows:

• Although mammography uses low-dose radiation, it carries the risk of radiation exposure. In the long term, radiation exposure can increase cancer risk. However, since the radiation dose received from mammography is quite low, this risk is minimal.

• Mammography can sometimes result in false-positive findings. This means that a healthy woman receives a breast cancer diagnosis and is exposed to unnecessary stress, anxiety, and additional tests. The rate of false-positive results varies depending on age and the density of breast tissue.

• Mammography may sometimes fail to detect breast cancer, resulting in false-negative findings. This occurs more frequently, particularly in women with dense breast tissue. False-negative results can lead to delayed treatment and disease progression.

• In some cases, abnormalities detected on mammography may actually be harmless and may not require treatment. This situation can lead to unnecessary biopsies and treatments.

Although mammography has risks, it should not be forgotten that it is an important tool for early breast cancer detection. Considering the benefits and risks of mammography, it is important to undergo regular mammography screenings in accordance with your physician's recommendations and your personal risk factors.

Which Department Should I Visit for Mammography?

Mammography is a radiological imaging method performed for breast cancer screening. There may be questions about which department a patient should visit for mammography. Mammography is generally performed in the Radiology department of hospitals.

The Radiology department is the unit where medical imaging methods are applied and evaluated. All imaging methods including mammography, X-ray, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are performed in the radiology department.

To undergo mammography, you must first consult with a physician for examination and obtain a mammography recommendation. With your physician's referral, you can make an appointment and visit the Radiology department of your hospital. During mammography, you will be guided by a radiology technologist and informed about the procedure.

Your mammography results are evaluated and reported by a radiology specialist. The report is sent to your physician, and your physician shares the results with you and plans necessary treatment and follow-up processes.

In summary, you must visit the Radiology department of hospitals for mammography. Mammography screenings are of great importance in terms of early breast cancer detection and treatment, so it is important to participate in screenings regularly according to your physician's recommendations and your personal risk factors.

Who Should Undergo Mammography?

Mammography is the procedure of imaging breast tissue using X-rays and is the most common method used for breast cancer screening. Breast cancer is one of the most frequently occurring cancer types in women, and the chance of treatment significantly increases with early detection.

• Women Aged 40 and Older

• Those with a Family History of Breast Cancer

• Those Carrying Genetic Mutations

• Those with Other Risk Factors

• Men

Is Pain Felt During Mammography?

During mammography, breast tissue is compressed between two plates, and during this process, some women may feel mild pain or discomfort. However, this varies from person to person and is generally a short-term discomfort. The pain and discomfort experienced during mammography can vary depending on the following factors:

• Women with dense breast tissue may experience more discomfort during mammography.

• During certain periods of the menstrual cycle, breast tissue may be more sensitive, and therefore more pain may be felt during mammography. For this reason, undergoing mammography during the first week of the menstrual cycle may result in less discomfort.

• The techniques used during mammography and the quality of the equipment also affect the level of discomfort. Mammography performed by an experienced technologist with modern equipment can result in less discomfort.

The discomfort and pain experienced during mammography are generally short-lived and tolerable. It should be remembered that the benefits mammography provides in terms of breast cancer diagnosis and early treatment are worth enduring this temporary discomfort.

Mammography Costs in Turkey

Turkey has become known worldwide through its investments and efforts in healthcare. Particularly, the use of cutting-edge equipment in diagnostic and treatment procedures has brought hope for many diseases. Consequently, there has been an increase in health tourism to Turkey.

The reasons for preference include:

• Hospitals being large, clean, spacious, and fully equipped with technological equipment,

• Turkish doctors being expert, successful, and talented in their fields,

• Nurses and healthcare assistants being friendly and compassionate,

• Questions being answered quickly and accurately,

• All personnel, including intermediary companies assisting patients, being patient and understanding,

• Turkey offering natural and historical attractions with vacation opportunities,

• Easy accessibility,

• Diagnosis, treatment, accommodation, food, beverage, clothing, and vacation needs being available at affordable prices,

We can see that patients and their relatives intending to come to Turkey conduct research regarding mammography costs in Turkey. However, at this stage, it would not be appropriate to provide precise pricing information. Many factors such as the type of disease, disease stage, diagnosis process, treatment process, and duration of stay in Turkey affect the cost. If you would like to obtain more detailed pricing information, you can contact us. Additionally, if you come to Turkey for treatment through our mediation, we can facilitate your visa application process with an invitation letter we send to the consulate.