One of the most popular and effective breast cancer screening methods is mammography. Mammography involves placing the breast on an X-ray scanner and a compressor consisting of a plastic disk pressed down on the breast. However, this method is not the only way to detect breast cancer and its spread. In the following article, we will discuss a number of alternative breast cancer screening methods.

Why Breast Screening?

The purpose of breast cancer screening is to identify and prevent the development of breast cancer by inspecting the breasts for cancerous cells prior to the onset of symptoms. This screening is for routine check-ups to reduce the number of breast cancer deaths and reduce the number of breast cancer patients.

For people with breast cancer, breast cancer screening is also needed to determine the success of the treatment that has been carried out and to check the spread of breast cancer cells.

Breast cancer screening is usually done by women under the age of 40, but this procedure can also be done by women who have risk factors for breast cancer even though they are not yet 40 years old. Women under the age of 40 can also perform breast self-examination.

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Breast Screening Methods

There are several methods you can use to perform breast screening, namely:

Mammography

Mammography is an examination procedure that uses low-dose X-rays to take pictures of breast tissue. It can be used to detect the presence of cancer cells and any abnormal growth or changes in the breast tissue. Although it can detect the presence of abnormally growing cells, you will need other procedures, such as a biopsy or breast ultrasound, to make a diagnosis.

Mammography is done by standing in front of a special X-ray machine or device. The breast will be attached to the scanner screen, and a compressor made of a plastic disk will be pressed on the breast. This is done to take more detailed pictures of the breast tissue. The procedure generally takes no more than 1 hour.

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Breast Ultrasound

Breast ultrasound is a medical imaging method that can be used to evaluate breast tissue. It is performed using high-frequency sound waves to obtain images of the breast tissue.

Breast ultrasound is not usually used as a routine screening test for breast cancer, but it can help spot some breast changes, such as lumps that can be felt but not seen on a mammogram. This screening procedure is recommended for women with dense breasts, where it is sometimes difficult to see abnormal tissue in mammography.

Breast MRI

Breast MRI uses radio waves and magnets to get a detailed picture of the tissue in the breast. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer screening is recommended for routine breast MRI and mammography examinations. However, for screening, breast MRI should not be recommended as a single examination as it may miss detailed results like mammography examination.

Biopsy

A biopsy is a procedure where tissue is taken to examine the type of cells. The examination can determine the type of cells that grow abnormally, whether they are benign or malignant cells. The results of the biopsy examination are also a reference for determining the type of treatment that is effective for overcoming cancer cells.

Molecular Breast Imaging (MBI)

Molecular breast imaging is a new imaging method that may not yet be widely used in many countries. It uses radioactive tracers and nuclear medicine. The tracer is injected into a vein in the arm and will emit a signal if it detects cancer cells.

In performing a breast cancer examination, sometimes you need some supporting examinations to confirm the diagnosis. By doing routine breast examinations early on, you can take care of treatment faster so as to increase the chances of recovery. If you have questions about your health, you can consult a doctor or use the consultation feature on the Ai Care application.

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