Mammograms – We have all come across this term once in our life, and the term breast cancer is nothing new. We all have heard it, right? A mammogram is basically an X-ray or picture of the breast. This instrument detects early signs of breast cancer. It is done to find malformation in the breast, such as lump, pain or nipple discharge. In this blog, we will assist you to get the help you need and provide you with in depth knowledge about types of monograms. So, without taking much of your time, let us get started.
What are the Essential Types of Mammograms that one needs to understand?
In general there are two important types of Mammograms, which we have elaborated below:
- Digital Mammography
- Screen-film Mammography
What is Digital Mammography?
In this type of mammography, X-ray beans are used to get a picture of the breasts that gets delivered to an image receptor. The particulars or statistics are then transformed into a digital picture which is then saved and read in the computer.
Digital mammography is further divided into two categories:
- 3D Mammograms
- 2D Mammograms.
What is the Difference between 2D Mammography and 3D Mammography?
Now coming to the two categories of digital mammography. 2D Mammography and 3D Mammography.
In 2D Mammography, the mammographers takes the image of the breast from only two angles. One from the sides and other from top to bottom.
In 3D Mammography, the mammographers capture the image of the breast from different angles. It is not just restricted to the sides. Furthermore, they take multiple photos of the breasts.
What is Screen film Mammography:
Screen-film mammography falls under the traditional category of mammography. Similar to digital mammography, screen-film mammography also utilizes X-ray beans to capture the image of the breast. Here, the only difference is, that the image is in black and white and is kept on large film sheets, but digital mammography is recorded straight on the computer.
Wrapping Up!
Mammogram is just a tool that helps you detect cancer, it does not provide any help to diagnose cancer. Doctors always suggest women to start scheduling yearly mammography beginning at the age of 40. As early detection is the key. Hope we have given you enough information on types of mammography. Have more details? Do let us know in the comment section below. We would love to hear your thoughts.
