Mammography

Mammography is a modern imaging test and the only way today to detect breast tumours, diseases and indirect signs of breast cancer in time to successfully treat them at an early stage. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in the world and the first in women, which is why women over 40 should be screened annually with mammography.

Regular self-examination is essential, but it is not a substitute for screening. This specialised X-ray technique can detect even the smallest soft tissue lesions, which is crucial because the earlier the lesion is diagnosed, the more successful the treatment.

Mammography screening is particularly important for women with a family history of breast cancer, overweight, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, taking hormone replacement drugs, or for women who are childless or have given birth over the age of 35.

It is important to know that both sexes are affected, so it is also recommended that men should be tested if they have a complaint.

The mammography test

The test consists of two parts: an X-ray mammography and a breast ultrasound scan. The imaging is done using low-energy ionising radiation, so there is very little risk of radiation.

• basic information, family and individual medical history
• upper body should be exposed, metal jewellery should be removed
• palpation shall be followed by mechanical examination in the standing position
• separate images of the breasts are taken; compression may cause some discomfort, but the examination is not painful and takes only a few minutes

When is breast examination recommended?

• abnormality or lump found during self-examination or other examination
• if there is a family history of breast cancer
• annually for women over 40 years of age without symptoms
• breast pains, nipple lesions
• breast discharge, bleeding, lesions
• skin changes
• excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, overweight
• hormone medication

Good to know!

• In the case of a lump in the breast and other complaints a complex breast diagnosis should be carried out.
• With modern devices, the menstrual cycle is no longer taken into account when the examination is carried out, as it makes no difference from a diagnostic point of view.
• According to the current national legislation (Kecskemét Consensus Conference 2016), mammography is compulsory for people aged 30-35 years and over.
• Breast examination alone can be used under the age of 30.
• In most cases, implanted breasts can be mammographed without any problems.
• Mammography is required for male breasts.
• In the case of pregnancy or breastfeeding, only breast UH' can be performed, no mammography.
• If the doctor considers it appropriate to examine the breast further, our centre offers breast MRI' and UH guided sampling.

What should you bring with you to the examination?

• a referral from a specialist, if available
• if available, documentation of all your medical history (mammogram, breast ultrasound', breast MRI' findings, scan, final report, previous biopsy results)
• names of medications taken
• In all cases, please be sure to bring all your breast history - previous results to the mammography.

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