Name of the Procedure:

Mammography; bilateral

Common Names:

Mammogram, Bilateral Mammogram, Breast X-ray

Summary

A mammography is an X-ray imaging procedure used to examine the breasts. A bilateral mammography means that X-ray images are taken of both breasts. This procedure helps in the early detection and diagnosis of breast diseases in women.

Purpose

• Medical Condition: Detects breast cancer, benign tumors, and cysts.
• Goals: To identify abnormalities, masses, or changes in breast tissue that could indicate malignancy or other conditions.

Indications

• Symptoms: Lumps, pain, nipple discharge, or changes in breast size or shape.
• Conditions: History of breast cancer, family history of breast cancer, follow-up on previous abnormal mammograms.
• Patient Criteria: Typically recommended for women over the age of 40 as part of routine screening, or earlier for those with high risk.

Preparation

• Pre-Procedure Instructions: Do not apply deodorant, lotion, or powder on the day of the exam as these can appear on the X-ray.
• Assessments: Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Provide any previous mammograms for comparison.

Procedure Description

1. Setup: The patient stands in front of a specialized X-ray machine.
2. Positioning: Each breast is placed on the machine's plate and compressed with a paddle to spread the breast tissue evenly.
3. Imaging: X-ray images are taken from multiple angles for each breast.
   • Tools Used: Mammography machine, X-ray film or digital detector.
   • Anesthesia/Sedation: Not typically required.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 20-30 minutes.

Setting

Performed in a hospital radiology department, outpatient clinic, or specialized breast imaging centers.

Personnel

• Radiologic Technologist to operate the X-ray machine.
• Radiologist to interpret the images.

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Slight discomfort from breast compression.
• Rare Risks: False positives or negatives, exposure to low levels of radiation.
• Complications Management: Further testing or alternative imaging if results are inconclusive.

Benefits

• Early detection of breast cancer, which can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
• Non-invasive with quick results (within a few days).
• Can detect tumors that are too small to be felt manually.

Recovery

• Post-Procedure Care: No special care required.
• Recovery Time: Immediate, you can resume normal activities right away.
• Follow-Up: Based on results, further imaging or biopsy might be recommended.

Alternatives

• Ultrasound: Helpful for women with dense breast tissue.
• MRI: More detailed imaging but expensive and less accessible.
• Pros and Cons: Mammography is quick and widely available but involves radiation; Ultrasound does not use radiation but is less detailed.

Patient Experience

• During the Procedure: Mild discomfort during compression, usually brief.
• After the Procedure: No pain, can resume normal activities.
• Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relief if discomfort persists post-procedure, but this is uncommon.