Mammographs

Main article: Radiology (radiation diagnostics)

Mammography is a highly accurate method of X-ray diagnosis of diseases of the mammary glands, which allows detecting pathological changes in the structure of the breast even in the early stages of development. With the help of specialized equipment, malignant lesions, fibroadenomatosis (mastopathy), cysts and other ailments can be diagnosed. Mammography is recommended for both diagnostic and prophylactic purposes.

Indications and contraindications for mammography

Indications for performing mammography are: compressions, pain and/or swelling in the breast area, change in the shape and/or color of the nipple, discharge from the nipples, enlargement of nearby lymph nodes, as well as examination before surgery and monitoring rehabilitation. From a preventive point of view, examinations for women after 40 years are recommended to take place once every two years, and after 50 years - annually: this is necessary for early diagnosis and initial detection of pathological changes.

X-ray mammograph - a specialized X-ray diagnostic apparatus used for breast images

According to WHO estimates breast cancer , 2.3 million women were diagnosed in 2020, while 685 thousand cases death from this disease were registered in the world. As of the end of 2020, there were 7.8 million patients in the world who have been diagnosed with malignant formations breasts over the past five years. Mammography helps to detect cancer in the early stages, which significantly increases the chances of successful treatment.

At the same time, there are a number of contraindications. This is, in particular, pregnancy and breastfeeding. A relative contraindication is the age of up to 35, when X-rays have more influence on the body. These patients are more often prescribed ultrasound (ultrasound ). In addition, pain plays a role: mammography is carried out from the 5th to the 12th days of the menstrual cycle (counting from the first day), when the glandular tissue is almost not swollen and painless. In the absence of menstruation, the study can be performed on any day.

Principle of operation and types of mammograms

The mammography procedure is similar to a traditional X-ray. But at the same time, the mammary gland is compressed between two plates, which is necessary to reduce its thickness and increase the efficiency of measurements. In connection with this feature, in certain types of diseases, patients may have painful sensations and pronounced discomfort. The main advantage of mammography over other diagnostic methods is the accuracy of the data obtained, the high information content and the ease of the procedure itself, which lasts several minutes.

Mammograph allows you to get a full-fledged picture, so neoplasms and other pathologies are best detected, including in the early stages

The principle of operation of the mammograph is associated with the use of low-dose X-ray radiation to obtain images of the internal structures of the breast. This radiation passes from the X-ray tube through breast tissues, is absorbed to varying degrees by different tissues, and enters the receiver (digital or on a cassette with an analog film), thus a "pattern" of the breast structure appears on the image. The standard mammography is to obtain 4 images: 2 images of each breast in direct and oblique projections, this allows you to study structures from different angles and reduce the likelihood of false positive or false negative finds, "Anton Grushin, head in the field of radiation diagnostics at the Moscow Regional Research Institute named after M.F. Vladimirsky.

Analogue mammography

This method involves forming an image on a film. Glare or white spots in the picture may indicate the presence of pathology. A developing unit is required to obtain the result. Created images cannot be edited; in addition, they will not be able to be restored in the event of loss. Analog mammographs are easy to maintain and relatively affordable in terms of cost, but have low performance and require constant purchase of consumables.

Digital mammography

Main article: Digital mammography

In such devices, the image is formed using a special matrix, and the finished images are recorded on digital media and displayed on the monitor. When using a digital system, there is no need for equipment for installing and processing films or cassettes. Digitally produced images are highly detailed and can be scaled and processed. Special software makes it possible to optimize images and detect pathologies with high efficiency. The resulting files may be archived or, for example, sent instantly to another medical facility. Another important advantage of such systems is the minimum radiation doses. The disadvantage of digital equipment is the high cost.

Many mammographs provide the possibility of targeted biopsy under X-ray control

Digital mammographs with tomosynthesis

These are the most modern devices that allow you to perform three-dimensional tissue scanning. This type of diagnosis involves layer-by-layer scanning of the breast, which makes it possible to clearly determine the contours and structures. X-rays are supplied in a dosed manner, due to which the load on the body is reduced. As a result, a full-fledged 3D reconstruction of the breast is carried out with high accuracy and information content. This approach minimizes the number of false positive diagnoses and avoids unnecessary additional procedures to assess the state of breast tissue.

Version

In terms of design, mammographs are divided into mobile and stationary. Devices of the first type are more compact: they are equipped with wheels for transportation, which allows them to be used, including during field work. Inpatient systems have enhanced functionality, but their use is possible only in medical institutions

Hologic Mammograph

Side effects

The use of mammography has practically no side effects in conventional diagnostic procedures. Obtaining an accurate and informative result significantly outweighs the risk of X-ray irradiation. In addition, modern systems are endowed with dosimetric controls to minimize radiation. At the same time, there are radiation loads on the body, the values ​ ​ of which are summed up: therefore, too often performing the procedure can be dangerous for the patient.

The side effects from mammography can vary and depend on various factors such as age, health, and radiation dose. One possible side effect is breast tenderness due to breast compression. Minor bruising or skin irritation may also occur. However, in general, mammography is a safe and effective method of diagnosing breast cancer and allows it to be detected in the early stages, which increases the chances of successful treatment, "said Andrei Zanorin, Deputy Director of the FGBU" Clinical Hospital No. 1 "of the Office of the President of the Russian Federation.

One of the main side effects when mammography is used is that the method can produce false positive results. This is alarming for the patient and often leads to the appointment of additional studies, such as biopsies, without their need.