Ramnagar (Gandhipuram) - 0422 223 5075
Ramanathapuram (Trichy Road) - 0422 231 7000

Plays a vital role in early detection of Breast cancer

Plays a vital role in early detection of Breast cancer

Our Services

Mammogram

Mammogram plays a vital role in early detection of breast cancer. Mammogram has been shown to lower the risk of dying from breast cancer by 35% in women over the age of 50. Women aged 40 years and above should ideally undergo mammogram once a year.

Alpha RT high value mammography unit installed in our centre is designed to enhance patient friendliness and image quality. This unit is equipped with two filters, one Molybdenum and one Rhodium, with automatic selection. Molybdenum filter is used to provide high contrast for average and small breasts and Rhodium filter for dense breasts. This automatic filter selection results in lower glandular dose and exposure time. This technology, combined with computed radiography system, enables consistent high quality Digital Mammogram images, at a much lower radiation dose to patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are common answers to clarify your questions.

Mammography is a low-energy X-ray of the breast taken to detect breast disease. A mammogram can detect breast cancer up to two years before it can be felt. Early detection of cancer increases effective treatment options and the possibility of a cure. Mammography has been proven to detect cancer earlier than physical exam alone.

The benefits of mammography outweigh the minimal risk of radiation exposure, especially for high risk patients - aged above 40 years and those with strong family history.

Do not schedule your Mammogram for the week before your period, as your breasts are usually tender during this time. The best time is one week following your period. Also inform us if you are pregnant.

Do not wear deodorant, talcum powder, or lotion under your arms or on your breasts on the day of the exam. These can appear on the X-ray film as calcium spots.

If possible, obtain prior mammograms and make them available to the Radiologist. In addition, inform about any prior surgeries, hormone use, family or personal history of breast cancer.

A mammography unit is a rectangular box that houses the tube in which X-rays are produced. The unit is dedicated equipment because it is used exclusively for X-ray exam of the breast, with special accessories that allow only the breast to be exposed to the X-rays. Attached to the unit is a device that holds and compresses the breast and positions it, so that images can be obtained at different angles.

The breast is exposed to a small dose of radiation to produce an image of internal breast tissue. The images are produced as a result of some of the X-rays being absorbed (attenuation) while others passing through the breast to expose the film.

Breast Sonography is a painless ultrasound procedure where the breasts are scanned with high frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the breast tissue. Very dense breasts can be seen better with ultrasound than with mammography. Exams for young patients and certain follow-up exams will be done primarily with ultrasound. In our centre, Mammogram procedure includes a combined breast ultrasound as well, since studies have shown higher accuracy when both are done together and correlated.

Early detection is your best protection. Close to 90 percent of breast cancers can be detected early, when they are most treatable. All three of the following methods should be used.

  • Monthly breast self-examination.
  • Yearly physical examinations of your breasts by a physician
  • Mammography according to the American Cancer Society guidelines:
    • • Baseline by age 40
    • • Age 40-49 every 1 to 2 years
    • • Over age 50 - every year