What is Mammography and How Is It Performed? How to Get Results?

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 diagnosis and treatment. Mammography is based on visualizing the breast tissue with X-rays. Thanks to the development of advanced technologies such as digital mammography in recent years, mammography has become more sensitive and reliable. In this article, we will answer the questions of what mammography is, how it is performed and how the results are obtained.

What Is Mammography?

Mammography is a method of visualizing breast tissue using X-rays. Thanks to this method, early diagnosis of breast cancer and other abnormalities is possible. During a mammogram, the breasts are gently compressed between a special device and X-rays are sent through them. This allows abnormalities such as masses and calcifications (calcium deposits) in the breast tissue to be detected. Mammography is generally recommended for women aged 40 and over and is a screening procedure that should be repeated at regular intervals.

What Is Digital Mammography?

Digital mammography is an imaging method that provides more sensitive and reliable results than traditional mammography. Digital mammography uses X-rays to digitize images of breast tissue, resulting in clearer and more detailed images. This method gives more effective results, especially in women with dense breast tissue. In addition, digital mammography uses a lower dose of radiation than the traditional method and allows images to be stored and shared on a computer. In this way, doctors and specialists can evaluate more effectively and contribute to the early diagnosis process.

How Is Mammography Performed?

Mammography is a radiological imaging method used to examine and evaluate breast tissue. This method, which is frequently preferred in breast cancer screening, enables 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;

• Patients need to prepare before mammography. First, it is essential not to use substances such as deodorant, perfume, and powder on the day of the scan, as these substances can affect image quality. In addition, wearing a comfortable outfit and going braless also facilitates the shooting process.

• During the mammogram, patients stand in front of the mammography machine. The breast is placed neatly between two plates and gently compressed. This compression allows the breast to be examined more evenly and reduces the radiation dose. The compression may be uncomfortable for some patients but is usually short.

• After the breast is compressed, the X-ray machine sends out a low dose of X-rays, and an image of the breast is obtained. Usually, each breast is imaged from two different angles. This process is repeated for both breasts.

• After the mammogram is completed, the images obtained are analysed by the radiologist. The radiologist assesses abnormal tissues, calcifications and other possible problems and reports the results. If necessary, additional tests or imaging modalities may be ordered.

How Do I Get A Mammogram Result?

The results of the mammogram are evaluated and reported by the radiologist shortly after the scan. The report is sent to the patient’s doctor, who forwards the results to the patient. The process of obtaining and evaluating mammography results proceeds as follows;

The radiologist examines the mammogram images and evaluates abnormal tissues, calcifications and other potential problems. The radiologist prepares a report of the results and sends it to the patient’s doctor.

The patient’s doctor reviews the report prepared by the radiologist and evaluates the mammogram results. The results can be classified as normal or abnormal. Normal results indicate a healthy breast, while abnormal results may indicate a condition that requires further examination.

The doctor will communicate the results of the mammogram to the patient and may recommend additional tests or imaging procedures if necessary. Abnormal results do not always mean cancer; sometimes further examination is only necessary to diagnose benign conditions such as a cyst or fibroadenoma.

Based on the results of the mammogram, the doctor will plan the patient’s follow-up. Patients with normal results can have repeat mammograms at regular intervals, while patients with abnormal results may need additional tests and treatment. Since mammography is an important tool for early diagnosis and treatment, regular screening is of great importance.

Is Mammography Harmful?

Mammography is a radiologic imaging method used for breast cancer screening. It uses a low dose of X-rays to obtain detailed images of breast tissue. This can help detect breast cancer symptoms before they become visible and early treatment can have a positive impact on the course of the disease. However, there are some concerns about the harms of mammography.

The harms of mammography can be listed as follows;

• Although mammography uses low doses of radiation, there is a risk of radiation exposure. In the long term, radiation exposure can increase the risk of cancer. However, since the radiation dose received with mammography is very low, this risk is minimal.

• Mammography can sometimes give false positive results. This means that a healthy woman is diagnosed with breast cancer and is subjected to unnecessary stress, anxiety and additional tests. The rate of false positive results varies depending on age and the density of breast tissue.

• Mammography can sometimes fail to detect breast cancer and give false negative results. This is especially common in women with dense breast tissue. False-negative results can cause the patient to start treatment late and the disease to progress.

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

Although mammography has its harms, it is an important tool for early breast cancer detection. Considering the benefits and harms of mammography, it is important to go for regular mammography screenings in line with your doctor’s recommendation and your personal risk factors.

Which Department Should I Go To For Mammography?

Mammography is a radiologic imaging method for breast cancer screening. There may be doubts about which department the patient should go to for mammography. Mammography is usually performed in the Radiology department of hospitals.

The radiology department is the unit where medical imaging methods are applied and evaluated. Imaging methods such as mammography, X-rays, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are all performed in the radiology department.

For mammography, you must first consult a physician for an examination and receive a mammography recommendation. With the guidance of your physician, you can make an appointment and apply to the Radiology Department of your hospital. During the mammogram, you will be guided by the radiology technician and informed about the procedure.

Your mammography results will be evaluated and reported by the radiology specialist. The report will be sent to your physician, who will share the results with you and plan the necessary treatment and follow-up processes.

In summary, you should apply to the Radiology Department of a hospital for a mammogram. Since mammography screenings are of great importance for early breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, it is important that you regularly attend screenings according to your doctor’s recommendation and your personal risk factors.

Who Should Have A Mammogram?

Mammography is the process of X-ray imaging of breast tissue and is the most common method used for breast cancer screening. Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women and early detection significantly increases the chances of cure.

• Women 40 Years and Over,
• Family History of Breast Cancer,
• Carriers of Genetic Mutations,
• Those with Other Risk Factors,
• Mens,

Is Mammography Painful?

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

• Women with dense breast tissue may experience more discomfort during mammography.
• During some periods of the menstrual cycle, breast tissue may be more sensitive and therefore more painful during mammography. Therefore, having a mammogram in the first week of the menstrual cycle may result in less discomfort.
• The techniques and quality of the equipment used during mammography can also affect the level of discomfort. Mammograms performed by an experienced technician and with modern equipment may result in less discomfort.

The discomfort and pain experienced during mammography are usually short-lived and tolerable. It is important to remember that the benefits of mammography in terms of breast cancer detection and early treatment are worth enduring this temporary discomfort.

Mammography Screening Prices In Turkey

Turkey has managed to announce its name to the world with its investments and studies in the field of health. Especially the latest technological devices used in diagnosis and treatment procedures have been a beacon of hope for many diseases. However, there has been an increase in health tourism in Türkiye.

Hospitals are large, clean, spacious and fully equipped in terms of technological equipment.

Turkish doctors are specialized, successful, and skilled in their fields.

Nurses and carers are friendly and compassionate.

Finding answers to the questions asked quickly and accurately.

Patience and understanding of all staff, including the intermediary company dealing with the patient.

Turkey offers holiday opportunities with its natural and historical beauties.

Easy transportation.

Diagnosis, treatment, accommodation, eating, drinking, dressing, and holiday needs can be met at affordable prices.

Such situations are shown among the reasons for preference. We can see that patients and their relatives who want to come to Turkey are doing research on Mammography Prices in Turkey. However, it would not be right to give clear price information at this stage. Many factors such as the type of disease, stage, diagnosis process, treatment process, and stay in Türkiye affect the price issue. If you want to get more detailed price information, you can contact us. In addition, if you come to Turkey for treatment through us, we can facilitate your visa application process with the invitation letter sent by us to the consulate.