Every woman is a little scared when it comes to breast cancer , right? That's normal. But the most important thing we all need to know is that the sooner this disease is detected, the greater the chance of successful treatment. So, the main and most important test we have for this is called a mammogram. Over time, this technology has also improved. Today, let's talk about this new technology, which is digital mammogram.
First of all, what is a mammogram?
Simply put, a mammogram is a special X-ray of your breasts. It's like getting an X-ray when you break an arm or leg. But the purpose of this is completely different. Here, doctors look for any unusual lumps, bumps, or other changes in your breasts. Also, if you've had a previous mammogram, they compare those images to see if there are any new changes.
In the past, these X-ray images were recorded on film. But now technology has advanced. In the digital mammogram method, these images can be stored and analyzed on a computer.
Is there a difference between digital and conventional mammograms?
No. There is no difference in how you feel. The testing method is the same for both.
A technician will place your breast between two plates, pressing them gently and flat. You may feel some discomfort during this time, but it is temporary. This will take several images of your breast from top to bottom and from both sides. The entire procedure takes about 20 minutes.
The main difference is in the way the image is recorded:
- Film Mammogram: Here, the image is recorded on a physical sheet of film and is stored as a portable file.
- Digital Mammogram: This is where X-rays are converted into electronic signals that can be stored on a computer, much like taking a photo with your phone's camera. You can view the images on a computer screen, enlarge them, and change the clarity.
Which of these two methods is more accurate and appropriate?
Research shows that the accuracy of both methods is generally about the same.
However, a large study found that for three groups of women, digital mammograms were more effective at detecting breast cancer than regular film mammograms. See if you fall into these categories.
| Categories of women most suitable for digital mammograms |
|---|
| Women under 50: At this age, breast tissue is more dense. Digital technology can capture images of these dense breasts more clearly. |
| Women with Dense Breasts: When breasts are dense, small changes can be difficult to detect. Digital images can be enlarged and clarified, making them easier to detect. |
| Women who have not gone through menopause or have recently (within a year): Digital technology works best with breast changes caused by changes in hormone levels. |
If you fall into one of these three categories, it is very important to talk to your doctor about the possibility of having a digital mammogram.
What are the additional benefits of a digital mammogram?
Digital technology provides us with several advantages.
- Better analysis: Since digital images are stored on a computer, they can be analyzed using computer software in addition to the radiologist. This helps to catch even the smallest changes without missing them.
- Getting a Second Opinion is Easy: Since the images are electronic, if you want to show them to another doctor and get an opinion, you can send them via email. There's no need to courier the film.
- Image clarity can be changed: The doctor can change things like the brightness and contrast of the image, and enlarge it. This allows you to better observe suspicious areas. This is not possible with a film mammogram .
- Low radiation dose: Although a digital mammogram takes separate images of small areas of the breast, the overall radiation dose is about 25% lower than a regular film mammogram.
- Storage is easy: Digital images can be easily stored on a computer or hard drive. There is no need to store large, space-consuming file folders like with film mammograms.
Other things to know
Today, many hospitals in Sri Lanka have digital mammogram facilities. However, you should not skip the regular film mammogram just because you do not have the facilities to do a digital mammogram.
It is hundreds of thousands of times better and safer to have a film mammogram than to have no test at all.
In addition, some centers now have an even more advanced technology called 3-D mammography.
If you are at high risk for breast cancer (for example, if someone in your family has had it), your doctor may recommend an MRI scan in addition to your annual mammogram. Always discuss with your doctor which test is best for you.
Take-Home Message
- Digital mammograms are a modern and highly accurate X-ray technology used for early detection of breast cancer.
- The digital method may be more effective, especially for women under 50, with dense breasts, or who have not gone through menopause.
- This method has low radiation dose, easy image analysis, and very easy storage.
- If digital facilities are not available, it is also very important to have a regular film mammogram. Do not skip it at all.
- It's best to talk to your doctor and decide which test is best for you, based on your age, health condition, and family history.
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