Digital mammography, also known as high resolution mammography, is done in the same way as conventional mammography, however, it is a more reliable method that saves images on the computer, with less risk of damage to the image and the need to repeat the exam.
Thus, to perform digital mammography, the woman must place the breast in the device that will make a slight pressure, which may cause some discomfort or pain. However, this pain does not cause any problem in the breast and is necessary to correctly visualize the entire interior of the breast.
Price
The price of digital mammography is approximately 100 reais.
What is digital mammography for
Mammography is indicated for all women over 40 years old as a routine exam to check if there is any malignant nodule that could indicate breast cancer. Thus, digital mammography serves to:
- Identify benign breast lesions; Detect the existence of breast cancer; Assess the size and type of breast nodules.
The result of the mammogram must be evaluated by the doctor who ordered the exam so that the correct diagnosis can be identified and appropriate treatment started. Find out what the test results may be at: Mammography results.
Recommended age for first exam
Digital mammography, like conventional mammography, should only be performed after 35 years of age on women who have mothers or grandparents with breast cancer and for all women over 40, at least once every 2 years or every year as a routine exam.
A mammogram before 35 years of age is not indicated because the breasts are still very dense and firm and besides causing a lot of pain, the x-ray cannot satisfactorily penetrate the breast tissue, and cannot be reliably evidenced if there is a cyst or lump in the breast. When there is a suspicion of a benign or malignant lump in the breast, the doctor should order an ultrasound that will be more comfortable and may also show when a lump is malignant and it is a breast cancer.
How to prepare for the exam
There is no special preparation for digital mammography. However, to facilitate the examination, the woman should not use cream, talc or deodorant on the breast and armpits to avoid interfering with the results of the mammogram. In addition, you should schedule the exam after menstruation, which is when the breasts are less sensitive.
