Posted on March 5, 2010.
My mother has a prescription for a mammogram? I saw two requirements on the counter of my mother to get a screening mammogram (bilateral)? What does this mean? Does this mean that the doctor found a piece?
Mammography is the study of the breast using X-ray The test is called a mammogram. There are two types of mammograms. A screening mammogram is ordered for women who have no problems with their breasts. It consists of two X-ray views of each breast. The diagnostic mammogram is for evaluation of new abnormalities or of patients with abnormalities requiring follow-up past (ie a woman with breast cancer treated by lumpectomy). additional X-rays from other angles or special views of certain areas are taken.
Aim
The purpose of mammography screening is the detection of breast cancer. A screening test, by definition, is used for patients without signs or symptoms to detect disease as early as possible. Many studies have shown that the presence of regular mammograms increases a woman's chances of finding breast cancer early, when it is more likely to be curable. It has been estimated that mammography can find cancers as well as two years before they can be felt. The American Cancer Society, the American College of Radiology, the American College of Surgeons and the American Medical Association recommends annual mammography for all women from the age of 40 years.
Screening mammograms are not generally recommended for women under 40 who have no specific risk factors and a normal physical breast examination. Below 40 years, the breasts tend to be "x-ray dense, which means it is difficult to see many details. In 2003, a new technique which has radiological contrast in digital mammography is useful to improving visibility of breast cancer in young women. Screening mammograms can detect cancers in their earliest stages and greatly reduce mortality, particularly among women aged 40-69 years. In fact, one study in 2003 found that women aged 40 and older who have annual screening mammography has a better prognosis of breast cancer because their cancers were diagnosed at an early stage that women were less likely to have mammograms.
Some women are at increased risk of developing breast cancer, such as those of two or more relatives with the disease. In 2003, the American Cancer Society stated that the guidelines for women at increased risk may benefit from mammography screening earlier and more frequent intervals for screening. However, the company suggested that the evidence was not strong enough at this time to support the formulation of specific recommendations for screening.
Diagnostic mammography is used to evaluate an existing problem, as a mass, nipple discharge, or unusual sensitivity in a field. The cause of the problem can be definitively diagnosed from this study, but further investigation using other methods is often necessary. This review is also used to evaluate the results of mammography screening.
Description
A mammogram may be offered in a variety of settings. Hospitals, clinics, doctors' offices or other facilities may have mammography equipment. In the United States since October 1, 1994, only places certified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are legally allowed to perform, interpret or develop mammograms under the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA).
In addition to the usual paperwork, a woman will be asked to fill out a form seeking information relevant to her risk of breast cancer by mammography and special needs. The woman is asked about the personal and family history of cancer, details about menstruation, pregnancy, contraception, breast implants, other breast surgery, age and hormone replacement therapy. Information about breast self-examination (BSE) and other health problems in general are available free of charge.
In some centers, technology.