Information on Mobile Mammography Unit

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The mobile mammography unit will travel to communities, clinics, hospitals and reach out to those who are unable to get a mammogram due to transportation, other health issues or don’t get around easily. A mammography unit is a diagnostic and screening tool, which uses low energy X-rays to examine human breasts with a goal of early detection of cancers.

Types of Mammography

According to the American Cancer Society, there are a couple different types of mammography’s and mammography units. The standard mammography uses low energy of ionized radiation to create images of the breasts to analyze for abnormal tissues such as masses, calcification or any other abnormalities.

The digital mammography also known as full field digital mammography uses X-rays to produce an image of the breasts and are recorded and stored on a computer. After the examination, the doctor can view them on a computer screen, adjust the brightness, size and contrast, in order to see a clearer view. Digital images can also be sent electronically to other sites and doctors for a consultation with a specialist. Most centers now have a digital setup, but let it be noted that the standard mammography is still effective.

The tomosynthesis or 3-D mammography is basically an extension of the digital mammography and makes 3 dimensional images. This mammography unit uses more radiation then the 2-D standard units, but may be able to find certain types of cancers. This mammography unit is not as widely available.

What the Doctor Is Looking For

There are a couple characteristics that the doctors will typically look for when analyzing a mammography. Calcifications can be an abnormality although not always cancerous. Macrocalcification shows larger calcium deposits that most likely represent degenerative changes due to aging, old injuries and inflammation of the breast tissues and usually associated with non-cancerous conditions.

Microcalcifications show as tiny specks of calcium deposits that may appear alone or in clusters, which the radiologist will use to judge the likelihood of cancer. A mass may occur with or without calcifications and is another change seen on a mammogram. Masses can mean many things and may be biopsied.

Cysts can be one of two kinds. A simple cyst is a fluid filled sac and is not biopsied or considered cancerous. A complex cyst is partially solid and these will be biopsied to ensure they are not cancerous.

There are some limitations to the mammography unit. Breast implants will require more X-rays or more pictures to be taken from different angles for better images. Dense breasts will also require more pictures to see better images. While dense breasts are thought to be more common in younger women, it is known that any age woman can have dense breasts.

Technology is ever evolving and can now travel. However, this should emphasize the point that men can also develop breast cancer and are advised to make their self-checks and also to check for abnormalities. If anything does not feel quite right, be sure to get to your physician and have them check it out.