Question

2. Regarding mammography: (2 page limit)
a) Describe how a mammography machine works
b) How does it differ from a conventional X-ray machine and why?
c) Why do we use mammography?
d) Describe the potential risks and safety matters

Answer 1

Mammography is a technique used to detect tumours of the breast. Here X-rays are used for diagnosis. An X-ray image obtained by mammography is called a mammogram.

a) Mammography machine is used to observe the early cancer signs and other diseases of breast tissues. It uses X-rays of lower doses. Since these rays are of lower dose than the normal X-ray, it will not pass through the breast tissues easily. Hence, mammography machine has two plates, a supporting plate and a compressing plate. In between these two plates, the breast is placed during diagnosis. These plates compress the breast, so that the tissues are spread apart. Then a beam of X-ray of lower dose are allowed to pass through the breast. Further, these rays falls on a detector located on the opposite side.  Thus clear image of breast tissues are obtained. These image can be either a X-ray image on film or a digital image, depending on the detector. The images thus produced are called mammograms.

b) A mammography machine uses X-rays of lower doses than the conventional X-ray machine. Lower radiation doses can provide better quality of images. Mammography is much safer than the conventional X-rays because the radiation used in it are much lower than that in usual X-rays. Thus, it is safer even for pregnant women and the risk for fetus is very small.

c) Mammography is used as a diagnostic and screening technique to detect early tumours of breast tissues even if there are no symptoms. It is also used to diagnose other breast diseases for women who are experiencing pain, lump or fluid discharges from the breast.

d) Mammograms exposes to low dose radiations (X-rays). Even though the procedure is safe, repeated mammography can increase the risk of cancer. The two plates in mammography compresses the breast during diagnosis, this can cause significant pain. During this compression, there is a chance of rupturing of tumours and spreading of malignant cancer cells.

Mammography helps to detect the presence of cancer in early stages. Current studies says that, women should begin mammography every year from the age of 40. If there is any symptoms like lumps and pain, it should be done as early as possible. Eventhough some women experiences pain during diagnosis, many of them will not feel any discomfort. Since, mammography uses very low dose radiations, it is more safer than the conventional X-rays. It also safe for pregnant women.