Diagnostic Mammography Research Paper

Diagnostic Mammography

Liddia Isom

Introduction to Radiology

RTE 1000

Keiser University

Professor Shaev

September 18, 2015

Abstract

An Advanced Imaging Modality, such as diagnostic mammography, holds the attention of radiographers everywhere. Diagnostic mammography has more benefits than the public realize. The images taken using digital imaging are stored directly on a computer. A diagnostic mammography may similarly offer changes between normal and abnormal tissues that would be more certainly noted because of an enlarged image that was too blurry to see on a screening mammogram. The amount of follow-up exams needed may be fewer. This in turn means that a smaller amount pictures

would also be required. And so, the patient is reduced to the total of radiation taken in from the x-ray machine. Altogether, mammograms have limits. Whether male or female, always perform a breast self-exam on yourself, by hand, recurrently. Adler & Carlton (2012) suggested that “1 of every 8 or 9 women in the Unites States will develop breast cancer. Men are definitely not excluded” (p. 8).

Diagnostic Mammography
One of Several Advanced Imaging Modalities that is interesting is mammography.

More specifically, diagnostic mammography. Mammography is the radiography of the breast (Adler & Carlton, 2012, p. 3). Screening mammography is great to pursue, but what is the fun in that. Why not go a step further and do imaging where the pictures are stored on a computer. Usually only women of a certain age group know and understand the process and the importance of getting a mammogram. This is because like a regular check-up, it is urged to be done. These constant screenings should be necessary to those over the age of forty (Adler & Carlton, 2012, p. 8). Getting a mammogram at an early age helps in discovering an early detection of breast cancer in women as well as men. Diagnostic mammography does have benefits for those who need

it.
When using an x-ray machine to examine the human breast, this process is called mammography and the image that is taken is known as the mammogram. Mammography uses radiowaves to produce the images we want to see. Mammography uses these low-energy radiowaves in an attempt to learn of an early detection of breast cancer. X-ray machines help radiologists see what is going on in the human body without the use of surgery. There are two types of mammograms: screening mammograms and diagnostic mammograms. The difference between them is that (1) screening mammograms are completed for women who do not have any symptoms of breast cancer and (2) diagnostic mammograms are used to check for breast cancer once a lump or symptom of breast cancer has been found. Diagnostic mammograms seemingly takes longer than screening mammograms because it contains extra x-rays in order to acquire views of the breast from numerous angles. They are not only an image of the breast, but the image itself is stored directly on a computer as an alternative of a film. This way, the doctor can enlarge the image to take a closer look. This type of mammography may offer long-distance consultations with other physicians because the images can be shared by a computer (ePublications, 2013). This in return, would save individuals and families from the headache of traveling back and forth to meet with their doctors and/or specialists. The digital mammography may also offer a small amount of differences between normal and abnormal tissues that would be more easily noted because of a magnified image that was too hard to see on a screening mammogram. Think of it like a person who wears glasses. Without the advanced vision apparatus, the image would not be clear until sharpened and/or magnified.
The number of follow-up tests needed may be fewer (ePublications, 2013). After having a screening to look for lumps or tumors that cannot be felt and after having a diagnostic mammogram performed to check on the tumor or lump that was found previously, all images needed would then be done. This way after surgery, the patient would only be required to follow up a few times with their respected doctor/physician.
The bonus of it all is that fewer images may be needed, as well. This means the patient is reduced to the amount of radiation taken in from the x-ray machine. Also, the patient is no longer uncomfortable with their breast inside a machine. Repeated x-rays could cause cancer (ePublications, 2013). The benefits nearly always outweigh the risk. Talk to your doctor about the need for each x-ray. Ask about shielding. You may be able to protect the parts of your body not in the picture. If someone is a woman, they should be sure to make their doctor aware if there is any chance that they may be pregnant.
Remember that all mammograms are good to a certain point.

Mammograms are only part of a complete breast exam. Do not rely fully on the results one would receive because false negatives can happen as well as false positives. Keep in mind to perform a breast self-exam on yourself at least once a month. In addition, even though mammography can discover the existence of tumors that cannot be felt, finding a tumor – no matter the size – does not always mean a woman’s life will be saved (Mammography, 2013). If the woman has a fast growing cancer that has already spread to other parts of her body before it was found, it may be too late. Yes, mammograms use radiation but they use very little of it. As mentioned before, it is the x-rays that have to be repeated that can cause cancer. So do not worry too much or panic. Just talk to a doctor about when to start and how often to have a mammogram (ePublications, 2013).

When one hears and thinks of the word ‘cancer,’ fear usually sets in. The truth is one of every eight or nine women in the United States will develop breast cancer. Men are definitely not excluded. “Approximately one percent of breast cancers are found in men” (Adler & Carlton, 2012, p. 8). So for those interested in the mammography field, they should do research and choose which type of mammography is best for

them.
References
EPublications. (2013, June 21). Retrieved September 17, 2015, from http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/mammograms.html#d
Adler, A. & Carlton, R. (2012). Introduction to radiologic & imaging sciences & patient care: Introduction to Imaging and Radiologic Sciences. In (Sixth ed.).
Mammography: Benefits, Risks, What You Need to Know. (2013) Breastcancer.org. Retrieved from .