Can u help me out in this?

[communityhead]

can any one tell me ... what will be the frequently asked questions in Mammograms & Breast Self Exams??

[sreekar]

i think i am having some questions with me..i'll post them here

[sreekar]

Why get a mammogram?

Because it could save your life! Seriously. According to the American Cancer Society, despite advanced technology and increased awareness -- breast cancer remains the #2 cause of cancer-related deaths in women. Regular mammograms not only put your mind at ease but alert you of possible tumors, cysts and calcifications that will more than likely be biopsied to determine their state. If the are benign then great! If they are not, you need to do something about it or it can get worse and overcome you. Mammograms can detect lesions even way before you or your doctor can feel a lump.

[sreekar]

How often should I get a mammogram?

You should get a mammogram about once a year after the age of 40 until thereafter. You don't have to like it, but you really should do it. This is your life and when caught in the beginning stages, anything has a higher chance of recovery when nipped in the bud, so to speak.

[sreekar]

How does a mammogram work?

A mammogram is a special type of X-ray. It is considered a low dose X-ray system that was designed to specifically screen breasts for cysts, cancerous and non-cancerous lesions and lumps. It's like being able to look inside your body without opening you up, so to speak. Breast X-rays have been around since the 1920's but were not the advanced level they are today. As a matter of fact mammography as it is today has only existed since 1970. Way after breast implants.

[sreekar]

Will I get cancer from a mammogram?

The modern mammography system uses very low doses of radiation to make high-resolution (really detailed) images of your breast tissues and anything in it -- be it good or bad. Radiation is measured in rads. To give you an idea of just how low mammography is the views (individual x-ray shots) are around 0.1 - 0.2 rads. In patients with cancer undergoing radiation treatment (therapy) they often times receive anywhere from 1000 to 7000 or more, depending, rads in a normal course of therapy.

Unfortunately, if you have breast implants you will need several different views per breast instead of the average 2 views per breast. This translates into increased rads for those of you with breast implants as compared to an unaugmented patient. But lucky for us the government actually regulates this and passed a law that makes it so that the lowest rad dosage is used when a woman undergoes mammography. Be sure that your chosen clinic is accredited by the American College of radiology (ACR) to assure the highest quality of mammography equipment and technicians. Your chances of getting the least possible rad exposure is increased when the clinic is accredited.

[sreekar]

Does having a mammogram hurt?

It is reported by the majority of women as feeling awkward, uncomfortable and that they feel a little violated afterwards but you should experience no real pain. but, if you should have sharp pains or intolerable discomfort, please tell the technician right away so that a more comfortable position can be achieved or more importantly, this could alert the technician to an underlying cause.

The biggest fear of patients about mammograms is the compression factor. This has to be done though to get a proper view of the breast -- immobilize it to reduce any blurring that may happen during the view. Some women report the cessation of caffeine intake helps decrease discomfort significantly.

[sreekar]

What NOT to do before your mammogram...

Do not wear and lotions, talcum powder (talc), perfumes, sprays, deodorant, etc. etc. Go to your appointment au natural (except for your clothes). This may cause speckles and spots to show up on your mammogram.

[sreekar]

Can I just remove my shirt for the exam?

Yes, in most clinics you are only asked to remove your top so wear a pair of pants or a skirt to refrain from having to undress completely.

[sreekar]

How long does having a mammogram last?

Your actual views should last no more than a few seconds although your breasts will be compressed and then the technician has to step out of the room, like when you get dental X-rays. The technician can't stay in the room with you as the little button IS outside because if a technician were exposed to this amount of rads day in and day out, all day -- that would be pretty dangerous! No more than a half an hour for the entire appointment, for sure. But if you are really having trouble then it may take longer. An un-augmented patient takes about 15 to 20 minutes for the undressing, positioning and views.