mammógrafía

Mammografía is a medical imaging technique used to examine breast tissue. It employs low-dose X-rays to create images of the inside of the breast. Mammography is primarily used for breast cancer screening, aiming to detect the disease at its earliest stages, often before symptoms appear. It can also be used for diagnostic purposes when a patient has a palpable lump or other breast-related concerns.

The procedure typically involves placing the breast between two plates that compress the tissue. Compression is necessary to spread out the breast tissue, reduce radiation exposure, and improve image quality. Images are usually taken from two angles, craniocaudal (CC) and mediolateral oblique (MLO). The resulting images are then reviewed by a radiologist.

Screening mammograms are recommended for women starting at a certain age, with guidelines varying by country and medical organization. Diagnostic mammograms are performed when there is a specific concern. While mammography is a valuable tool, it is not foolproof and can sometimes lead to false positives (indicating cancer when none exists) or false negatives (missing an existing cancer). Regular screening and awareness of personal breast health are important components of breast cancer detection.