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A woman’s life really is not easy, there are so many responsibilities and care that we must take, so many precautions to be taken. But everything is worth it in the name of our health and our life. Some of the special care that we need in women is in relation to the breasts and for that the great female ally is the mammography exam.
Thousands of women around the world have suffered from an illness that came to take their sleep, destroy their dreams and in many cases take their lives. Breast cancer is currently one of the leading causes of death in the world! However, there are ways to prevent and even monitor or discover the disease prematurely, giving the opportunity for a full and faster recovery. The breast cancer is more common in women over 55 years of age, but can also occur in younger women.
For younger women, palpating the breasts whenever possible is a way to detect any lump or sign that has something different in the region and to see a doctor for a proper evaluation. In the case of women over 40, the mammogram is indicated annually. For women with a family history of breast cancer, the age is reduced to 35 years of age. Women who have close relatives such as a mother or sister who have already suffered from the disease are more likely, but recent research indicates that 85% of women who have or have had the disease do not have family members who had the disease. That is why the screening mammography exam is indicated for all women, without exception.
The mammography exam is a radiological procedure performed through an x-ray that is called a mammograph. Through this equipment it is possible to detect nodules, lesions and cancers or even calcifications in the breasts. Mammography is indicated even before detecting the presence of a nodule by palpation , which is why it is called a preventive exam and early detection. Unfortunately, it is an exam that is feared by women because of the “fame” of being a painful exam, as it is necessary to compress the breasts in the device. However, not all women experience pain and discomfort during the procedure. Even though it is a dreaded procedure, it is the best way to diagnose breast cancer early and all women without exception must pass the exam.
How and Where is the Mammography Examination Performed?
The mammography exam can be performed on two types of equipment, digital or conventional. Either X-ray is used to detect the images of the place, the only difference is that the conventional is printed on the film after storing the image. When an error occurs in the film, including lack of clarity, the procedure must be repeated for new printing. On the other hand, digital, relying on modernity, transfers the detected images to a computer, allowing the technician to make adjustments and even produce zoons in areas that need to be highlighted in the result. The images are also stored for future use, so it is not necessary to repeat constant exams, thus avoiding the patient’s exposure to radiation again.
For women who have the excuse of not having a medical plan or the high cost of the exam, the SUS network performs mammography as long as the patient is followed up by a network doctor. For those with medical insurance, the exam is covered by all health plans and insurance.
As it is an exam that is considered painful, some precautions can be taken to not cause further discomfort. Avoid scheduling the exam close to menstruation where the breasts are swollen and more sensitive to touch. Some doctors recommend the use of painkillers before the procedure, thus decreasing the pain. To perform the exam, it is necessary for the woman to expose the breast, so choose simpler clothes such as a shirt that can unbutton and expose the breasts or T-shirts and blouses that can be removed easily. If the woman is wearing dresses or a single piece, she must undress completely to perform the procedure.
As difficult as it may be for you, try to relax and allow the technique to position you in the best way.The correct and adequate position of the breast in the device will make the images to be captured accurately and the examination will last a few seconds. If you feel any major discomfort or have any type of restriction to perform the exam, you should be notified to the doctor. In the case of women with breast implants, the procedure is different, since to acquire the exact images a greater number of incidences is necessary. Mammography as well as all other care for the woman’s body are necessary and fundamental procedures for the control of her health. Regular follow-up with a doctor you trust will ensure that you have routine check-ups that are always up to date and, when necessary, receive appropriate treatment, reducing the risk of illness and unpleasant surprises.
See also: What is Pap smear and how is it done?
My name is Dr. Alexis Hart I am 38 years old, I am the mother of 3 beautiful children! Different ages, different phases 16 years, 12 years and 7 years. In love with motherhood since always, I found it difficult to make my dreams come true, and also some more after I was already a mother.
Since I imagined myself as a mother, in my thoughts everything seemed to be much easier and simpler than it really was, I expected to get pregnant as soon as I wished, but it wasn’t that simple. The first pregnancy was smooth, but my daughter’s birth was very troubled. Joana was born in 2002 with a weight of 2930kg and 45cm, from a very peaceful cesarean delivery but she had already been born with congenital pneumonia due to a broken bag not treated with antibiotics even before delivery.
