Breast Screening

What does a breast lump feel like?

In general, cancerous breast lumps tend to be more irregular in shape. They may also feel firm or solid and might be fixed to the tissue in the breast. They are also often painless, however, in a small percentage of women, a painful breast lump turns out to be cancer. These lumps vary in size; typically, a lump has to be about one centimetre (about the size of a large lima bean) before a person can feel it. However, it depends on where the lump arises in the breast, how big the breast is, and how deep the lesion is. If you feel a lump in your breast, try not to panic or worry. Most lumps are not breast cancer, but something less serious, such as a benign breast condition. Simply contact your physician as soon as possible to find out more.

Step by step guide on how a mammogram is done

The patient will stand in front of a special X-ray machine while a technologist places the breast on a plastic plate, and another plate will firmly press the breast from above. The plates will flatten it, to hold it still while the X-ray is being taken. Note that you will feel some pressure during this time. The steps will then be repeated to make a side view of the breast and the other breast will be X-rayed in the same way. You will then wait while the technologist checks the four X-rays to make sure the pictures do not need to be re-done. Keep in mind that the technologist cannot tell you the results of your mammogram. Also, remember that each woman’s mammogram may look a little different because all breasts are a little different.

Differences between breast ultrasound and mammogram

Mammography uses a low-dose X-ray to either screen for or diagnose breast diseases while a breast ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to image internal tissues and structures of the breast. The images (mammograms) captured during mammography help our team look for malignant and benign abnormalities in the breast before physical symptoms are present. In the fight against breast disease, early detection is crucial. In contrast to mammography, a breast ultrasound is a non-invasive procedure that uses zero radiation and is safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Breast ultrasound is the most accessible exam of choice for any patients with dense breast tissue, under the age of 35, or are pregnant