Breast Diagnostics (mammography)
Mammography is an x-ray examination of the mammary gland tissue. Despite various new developments in medicine, this continues to be the predominant imaging procedure for assessing a female breast.
In many cases, malignant nodules or their precursors can be detected at an early stage before becoming palpable. With palpable nodules or other abnormalities, mammography is used to differentiate between the benign and the malignant changes.
How is the examination performed?
The examination is conducted by a specially trained and sensitive MTRA. Positioned on a receiving plate and held with a holder, the breast is gently compressed. This is important both to achieve high image quality with low radiation dose and to allow optimal assessment of breast tissue.
There are two shots of each breast usually taken, occasionally followed by additional projections or sectional enlargements in case of uncertainty.