20 Common Questions about Mammograms
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1. What breast abnormalities can be detected by a mammogram?
Answer: Mammograms can detect lumps, calcifications, and clusters of calcifications, breast deformities, asymmetry, thickened skin, nipple inversion, and enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit.
2. When should I get a mammogram?
Answer: Women aged 35–40 and above should start getting mammograms.
3. Why should I get a mammogram?
Answer: It is a highly effective, quick, and safe screening method with Minimal radiation exposure. It can detect breast cancer in its early stages, improving treatment outcomes and increasing the chance of a full recovery.
4. How is a mammogram different from a breast ultrasound?
Answer: Mammograms can detect small breast cancers early, before they develop into lumps, by showing calcifications or abnormalities in breast tissue, which an ultrasound cannot. However, ultrasounds are better at identifying lumps and distinguishing between solid tumors and cysts.
5. Should I get both a mammogram and an ultrasound, or just one?
Answer: If you are over 40, it’s best to have both for optimal results. For younger women, a breast ultrasound may be sufficient.
6. Why shouldn’t young women get mammograms?
Answer: Younger women tend to have denser breast tissue, which makes mammograms less effective and harder to interpret.
7. Who should get a mammogram at a young age?
Answer: Women with a high risk of breast cancer, such as those with abnormal BRCA gene tests, a family history of gene mutations, or a history of chest radiation between the ages of 10–30, should start annual mammograms from age 25.
8. How can a mammogram be less painful? Can I have a mammogram during my period?
Answer: Schedule your mammogram 1–2 weeks after your period when breasts are less tender. Relax during the exam and, if needed, kindly ask the technician to apply less compression.
9. Can compressing the breasts during a mammogram cause breast cancer? Why is it necessary?
Answer: No, compression does not cause breast cancer. The compression may cause discomfort but does not lead to chronic inflammation or cancer. It helps spread the breast tissue evenly, ensuring clearer images.
10. Can radiation from a mammogram cause cancer?
Answer: No, the radiation dose is very low, and it is safe to have mammograms 1–2 times per year.
11. What are the current global mammogram screening guidelines?
Answer: Have a clinical breast exam annually from age 25–39. From age 40, get a 3D mammogram (tomosynthesis) every year.
12. Can pregnant women have a mammogram?
Answer: Pregnant women should perform regular self-breast exams, and if any abnormalities are found (lumps, changes in shape), they should visit a hospital. However, pregnant women cannot undergo mammograms or X-rays. If necessary, an ultrasound is safe during pregnancy.
13. Can breastfeeding women have a mammogram?
Answer: Yes, both mammograms and ultrasounds are possible, but breastfeeding may obscure the results. It is recommended to wait 2–3 months after stopping breastfeeding unless there are clear symptoms such as a lump, swelling, or abnormal discharge.
14. Can women with breast implants have a mammogram, and can it rupture the implants?
Answer: Yes, women with breast implants can have a mammogram. Be sure to inform the technician beforehand so they can adjust the positioning of the breast tissue. Standard implants are strong and flexible, and the compression during a mammogram will not cause them to rupture.
15. Can a mammogram detect a ruptured breast implant?
Answer: If the implant is severely ruptured and deformed, it can be detected on a mammogram. However, small ruptures may not be visible, and an MRI is more effective for detecting them.
16. Can women who have had fillers or foreign substances injected into their breasts get a mammogram?
Answer: Yes, but the injected substances can obscure the results. In these cases, an MRI is a more accurate method.
17. What is the best type of mammogram available today?
Answer: A 3D mammogram, which is available at Bangkok Hospital Pattaya, provides the best images compared to both 2D digital mammograms and older film versions.
18. What are the advantages of a 3D mammogram?
Answer: It offers sharper, more detailed images, helps detect small abnormalities, causes less discomfort, and requires fewer retakes, thereby minimizes radiation exposure.
19. If my mammogram results are normal, can I skip future checkups for a few years? Should I skip my mammogram?
Answer: No, breast abnormalities can develop at any time. Continue regular self-breast exams and have annual mammograms and ultrasounds, especially if you are over 35–40.
20. Can men get mammograms?
Answer: Yes, men with symptoms like lumps or enlarged breast tissue can have a mammogram.
Health Article byTapanutt Likhitmaskul, M.D. Breast Surgeon,
Breast Center, Bangkok Hospital Pattaya
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