Mammography

• Mammography should ideally be done 3 to 5 days after the menstrual period. On the day of examination, a woman should not use perfume, talcum powder oR deodorants in the underarm of the breast area.
• It is advisable to wear loose clothing.
• When should mammography not be done?
• Women under the age of 30 years, unless indicated by the doctor.
• Pregnant and lactating woman.
• The unique features of our mammography section: Ours is a dedicated state of the art machine.
• A low dose of radiation, high resolution with superior image quality, AEC (automatic exposure control) and optimized compression with automatic decompression are the unique features of our machine.
• Highly trained Radiologists and Technologists (all-female professionals) involved with mammography work.
• Correlation with ultrasound is performed for all patients for perfect diagnosis. In doubtful cases, clinical and pathological correlation is done in consultation with a Gynaecologist, Surgeon and Pathologist.

Mammographically guides procedures like FNAC, Core Biopsies.

Breast self-examination (BSE) is a simple skill that may save your life! As implied BSE is done by women themselves, BSE should be performed each month at the same time about a week after the start of your period. Familiarity with the usual appearance and feel of one’s breast is important to notice any change such as a lump or thickening. Early discovery of a change from what is normal can be detected by BSE as early discovery increases the chances of cure. All women from the age of 20 should do regular BSE.

1. Look at your breasts in the mirror. Look for any change in size or shape, retraction of nipple, dimple or thickening of the skin or any obvious lump.
2. Raising both your arms, look for any asymmetry in your breasts.
3. Keep your hands around your waist and press them firmly. These positions may help in showing any retraction or dimpling present over the skin of the breast.
4. Lie down with one of your arms stretched behind your head. Examine your left breast with your right hand and vice versa as shown in the picture. While palpating keep fingers close to each other, use the flat surface of the fingers to feel for any lumps in the breast. Do not feel the breast between the fingertips and the thumb. Press firmly enough to know how your breast feels. A firm ridge at the lower curve of each breast is normal.
5. Feel the whole breast in a systematic manner. The breast is divided into 5 parts, the upper inner area, lower inner area, upper outer, lower outer area and the central area beneath the nipple. Feel all the parts of the breast without missing any area.
6. In the same manner examine the other breast. If you find any changes, see your doctor right away. Lumps need to be investigated further.

If you find any change in your breast, do not panic, seek your consultant’s advice immediately. Remember BSE (Breast Self-Examination) is not a substitute for regular mammograms or regular examination by a doctor.