Digital mammography is a breast x-ray performed on a mammograph and is currently the most important screening test for the detection of breast cancer. It ensures high resolution, excellent imaging and greater accuracy of diagnosis, with minimal radiation. With digital mammography it is possible to detect tumours of a few millimetres in size, pathologies that cannot be found by palpation. The total examination time is about 20 minutes.
The importance of mammography in the prevention of breast cancer is of major importance. Mammography should be introduced into a woman’s life from the age of 40, as long as there is no family history that dictates starting screening much earlier. From the age of 40 onwards, mammography should be done once a year and sometimes more often, a decision to be taken by the doctor, depending on the findings and the condition of the breast.
Procedure:
During the examination, the breast is placed on a special platform where gradual compression will be induced, necessary in order to visualise the entire breast and reveal its internal tissues. Compression can cause discomfort and taking a common painkiller 1 hour before the examination by women who report severe discomfort-intolerance to a previous mammogram has been shown to reduce sensitivity, thus ensuring the examinee’s calm and cooperation.