Mr. Sameer Bhati
Director of Star Imaging and Path Lab
5 things to know about Mammography
- What is Mammography?
A mammography is basically an X-ray of the breast in order to examine it. This test helps to detect and diagnose breast cancer in women. It is an important test which helps in the early detection of Breast cancer, accompanied with timely and regular clinical tests and self-examination of breast. During this test, the doctor prescribes multiple X-rays of Breast and then examine them carefully.
- How to prepare for it?
Use of body deodorants, body lotion, perfumes or powders should be avoided on the day of the mammography test. If one applies such things then they can reduce the image quality of the X-rays or can even give a false indication of calcium deposits. So, to avoid any such thing, it is better not to apply them near your breast, under arms and neck area.
- What happens during Mammography?
There is a flat X-Ray plate on which each of the breast rests during a mammography test. The breast is then pushed using a compressor to get a clear image of it in the X-Ray. X-rays can be done multiple times to get a clear image and all the details or in case if the doctor needs some more information. Nowadays, digital mammography is also used. Digital mammography converts the X-Ray images into electronic pictures of the breast.
- Complications associated, if any?
Being an X-Ray, the mammography will give out some radiations that your body will receive. But, the risk attached to these radiations is very low. In case a pregnant woman needs an urgent mammography, then she will need to wear a lead apron during the procedure in order to avoid any risks.
- What do the results mean?
Mammography images are used to detect the calcium deposits in the breast. Most of the calcium deposits or calcifications aren’t the signs of breast cancer. The test also helps to detect or show if there is any cyst (fluid-filled sacks) or cancerous or non-cancerous lumps. BI-RADS is a system which is used to explain whether additional mammography images are required for further examination or if a particular area is likely to have a cancerous or cancerous lump.
5 things to know about Pap Test
- What is a Pap Test?
A Pap Test is also known as a Pap Smear Test. It is generally used to detect and diagnose cervical cancer. It is basically a screening process which is done to examine or detect the presence of cancerous or precancerous cells in the opening of the uterus or cervix. It is advised to every woman (above 21 years of age) to start getting Pap Tests done on a regular basis, once in every 3 years. Some of them have increased chances of risk of having infection or cancer. If any of them is suffering from HIV or if anyone has a weaken immune system as result of an organ transplant or chemotherapy, then she is recommended to get a Pap Test more often.
- How to prepare for it?
You must not be menstruating on the day of getting a Pap Test or otherwise, the results shown are not accurate. It is recommended to avoid intercourse or douching on the day before your test is scheduled because they may disturb the accuracy of the test results. It is very important to stay calm and take deep breaths during a Pap Smear Test.
- What happens during Pap Test?
It is a very quick test. It doesn’t take much time. During the process, the doctor will slowly insert a speculum in the vagina that will give access to the cervix. Some cells are gently scraped by the doctor from the cervix. You can feel a little irritation, but a slight discomfort can protect your health. The cells are then sent to a lab to get tested in the laboratory.
- Complications associated, if any?
There are no complications attached with a Pap Smear Test. There is a very little possibility that a woman may experience a very small amount of blood spotting after the test.
- What do the results mean?
The results are either normal or abnormal. A normal test result means that there were no abnormal cells found during the test. Normal test results are called Negative Results. While an abnormal test result means that there are abnormal cells present on your cervix and some of them can be precancerous. A doctor may recommend a few more tests to get a closer look at your cervical tissue.
