What is a mammography examination?
Mammography is an x-ray examination of the breasts, performed using a sophisticated apparatus (ours is among the most advanced in the world), using a very low level of radiation, and it enables the detection of abnormalities before they can be felt by manual examination.
The primary importance of mammography is for the early detection of breast cancer. The examination itself is simple, and is considered accurate for the detection of breast cancer. In most cases, minute changes can be detected with the help of mammography at a very early stage, when the chance of cure is extremely high.
How does the mammography apparatus work?
Mammography is performed using x-rays (specially adapted for scanning the breast) that pass through the breast and reach a plate that absorbs the radiation and generates the x-ray image of the breast.
Each breast is imaged separately, from two different angles, making a total of four x-ray images. For the purpose of the examination, the breast is pressed between two 4-cm-wide plates. This pressure assists in separating the breast structure, and actually reduces the dose of radiation. The pressure on the breast is for a few seconds only.
For whom is mammography recommended?
In recent years differences of opinion have developed in the medical and scientific community
regarding the age at which regular mammography examinations should be commenced.
In any event, for women with no familial risk factors, it is definitely recommended to undergo regular mammography examinations from the age of 50 onwards, every two years, or as recommended by the physician.
Women from the age of 20 are advised to perform self-examinations, and to be examined by a doctor annually. Women at high risk are advised to undergo mammography annually from the age of 40.
In any event, for women with no familial risk factors, it is definitely recommended to undergo regular mammography examinations from the age of 50 onwards, every two years, or as recommended by the physician.
Women from the age of 20 are advised to perform self-examinations, and to be examined by a doctor annually. Women at high risk are advised to undergo mammography annually from the age of 40.
Examination procedure
After registering at the reception desk, Mor-Mar's radiology technician will invite you into the mammography room, and she will ask you to expose your breasts.
In a routine examination, four images will be made, two for each side, horizontal and vertical. (Occasionally, additional images need to be made for technical reasons.) The mammograms are made while the breast is pressed between 2 rigid surfaces.
The examination is quick, and takes only about a quarter of an hour.
On completion of the examination, the radiology technician develops the films, and checks the quality of the x-ray image. The mammogram is later interpreted by a doctor who is a radiology specialist. The examination results are sent to the patient's home about two weeks after the examination.
In a routine examination, four images will be made, two for each side, horizontal and vertical. (Occasionally, additional images need to be made for technical reasons.) The mammograms are made while the breast is pressed between 2 rigid surfaces.
The examination is quick, and takes only about a quarter of an hour.
On completion of the examination, the radiology technician develops the films, and checks the quality of the x-ray image. The mammogram is later interpreted by a doctor who is a radiology specialist. The examination results are sent to the patient's home about two weeks after the examination.
