Digital mammography, also known as high resolution mammography, is done in the same way as conventional mammography, however, it is a more reliable method that saves images to the computer, there being less risk of image damage and need to repeat the examination.
Thus, to make the digital mammography the woman should place the breast in the device that will make a slight pressure, which may cause some discomfort or pain. However, this pain does not cause any problem in the breast and is necessary to correctly visualize the entire interior of the breast.
Price
The price of digital mammography is approximately 100 reais.
What is digital mammography for?
Mammography is indicated for all women over the age of 40 as a routine examination to check for any malignant nodules that may indicate breast cancer. Thus, digital mammography is used to:
- Identify benign lesions in the breast;
- Screening the existence of breast cancer;
- Assess the size and type of breast nodules.
The result of the mammogram should be evaluated by the doctor who requested the test so that the correct diagnosis is identified and appropriate treatment initiated. Know the results of the exam in: Results of mammography.
Recommended age for first exam
Digital mammography, as well as conventional mammography, should only be performed after age 35 in women who have mothers or grandmothers with breast cancer and for all women over 40 years of age at least once every 2 years or every year, as a routine examination.
A mammogram is not indicated before the age of 35 because the breasts are still very dense and firm and in addition to causing a lot of pain the x-ray can not penetrate satisfactorily in the mammary tissue and can not reliably show if there is some cyst or lump in the breast. When there is suspicion of a benign or malignant nodule in the breast, the doctor should ask for an ultrasound that will be more comfortable and may also show when a lump is malignant and it is a breast cancer.
How to prepare for the exam
There is no special preparation for digital mammography. However, to facilitate the examination the woman should not use cream, talc or deodorant in the breast and underarms to avoid interfering with mammography results. In addition, you should mark the examination for after the menstruation, which is when the breasts are less sensitive.
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