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Mammography is an X-ray for the breast. It is used to detect and diagnose breast cancer and other breast diseases. The images that mammography produces is called mammograms. The images can show tiny tumors that cannot be felt, as well as other abnormalities in the breast.
Mammography can be used for screening and diagnostic purposes:
Screening mammography looks for breast cancer, benign tumors, cysts, or other breast diseases in women with no symptoms. The goal of the procedure is to detect the disease early, when it may be more treatable.
Diagnostic mammography is usually done for women who have symptoms of breast cancer or who have a high risk of developing the disease. It may be recommended if you feel a lump in the breast, you experience other unfamiliar symptoms, or a screening mammogram shows a suspicious area.
During mammography, you will either stand or sit in front of the mammography machine. Your breast is placed on a flat support plate. Then, a compressor will push the breast down to flatten it. Flattening your breast is done to spread out the tissue, which can provide clearer pictures and make it easier to find smaller abnormalities.
Once your breast is flattened, your doctor or technician will take an X-ray image. You may have to hold your breath to reduce the possibility of a blurred image while the X-ray image is taken. Your doctor may also ask you to change positions for each picture. You may feel a little discomfort or pressure, but it is usually brief.
When X-ray images are taken, a small burst of x-rays passes through your breast to a detector that is located on the opposite side. This detector is usually a photographic film plate that can capture the X-ray image on film. However, today, many breast imaging centers have moved from using film plates to digital mammography. Here are the newest advances in mammography:
Digital mammography – digital mammography records the images on a computer instead of on film. A solid-state detector is used to transform the X-ray into a digital image that saves onto a computer. The computer can help your doctor see images that might not have been very visible on a regular mammogram because the image contrast is sharper. Digital mimeographs are also easier to store and share with other medical professionals.
3D Breast Imaging – this is called breast tomosynthesis. For this test, the breast is positioned and flattened just like a traditional mammogram. However, a tomosynthesis uses an X-ray tube that moves in an arc and takes pictures of your breast from many angles. Several studies have shown that this test, results in improved breast cancer detection rates, but it is not yet widely available.
Once the test is complete and all the necessary images have been taken, a radiologist will carefully examine the mammogram.
You can leave the hospital immediately after your mammography is complete. However, since it may take at least a week until the result is complete, it is advisable that you stay in Barbados for at least 7 days. Once the result is ready, you need to attend a follow-up appointment to discuss the result with your doctor. In some cases, it may take several weeks until the results are ready. If this is the case, talk to your doctor/medical travel team about the exact length of stay, and the results can be mailed/sent to you.
You can resume your normal activities, including work, right after your mammogram. Some women experience minor bruising, but most women do not feel any lingering pain at all once the pain is over.
If you experience soreness, minor bruising, or discomfort, you should wear a padded sports bra as it can help you feel more comfortable then wearing a bra with underwire.
Although visible bruising on your breast or soreness a full day after your mammogram takes place is not cause for alarm, you should let your doctor know.
Mammograms are considered as one of the best breast cancer screening tests currently available. However, they have their limits as they are not 100% accurate in showing if a woman has breast cancer. There is always a possibility of:
A false-positive – the mammogram looks abnormal even though there is actually no cancer cells present in the breast.
A false-negative – the mammogram looks normal even though there is breast cancer.
Besides accuracy, the procedure itself is very safe. It should not cause alarming or long-term side effects as the amount of radiation used is minimal.
If you cannot or do not want to undergo mammography, you can consider the alternatives. These include ultrasound, MRI, and molecular breast imaging (MBI). However, mammograms are still considered as the best screening test for breast cancer since none of the alternatives has been proven to be as good.
After mammography, your doctor can check the condition of your breast, whether or not you experience any symptoms before. If the results show any abnormalities (positive), your doctor may suggest you undergo a breast biopsy and they will be able to create a treatment plan.
Whilst the information presented here has been accurately sourced and verified by a medical professional for its accuracy, it is still advised to consult with your doctor before pursuing a medical treatment at one of the listed medical providers
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Barbados is an island country located in the Caribbean region of North America. This vibrant island nation boasts an abundance of astounding natural beauty, beautiful weather, smashing nightlife, beautiful architecture, and welcoming people. Beyond its white sand beaches and dazzling turquoise bays, Barbados is also an emerging medical tourism destination. It is known as a leading destination for IVF, rehabilitation, and a wide range of surgical and non-surgical treatments. Hospitals and clinics in the country are equipped with modern technology and high-quality services. The doctors and specialists are highly-trained and international patients can enjoy the country’s beauty and tranquility, while undergoing a medical procedure and holistic therapy at the spa. This allows patients to be at their optimum relaxation when they undergo medical treatment, making the recovery period easier and the success rate higher.
Bridgetown, Barbados’ UNESCO World Heritage-listed capital, is filled with old colonial architecture and vibrant culture. Visitors can go to the beautifully restored Barbados Synagogue, learn more about cricket in the Cricket Legends of Barbados, explore the history of the country in Barbados Museum, and admire the beauty of the neo-Gothic parliament. Those who want to experience the tranquil beaches and the calm Caribbean Sea should visit Holetown. Located 13.5 kilometers from Bridgetown, this beautiful city offers the perfect blend of history with modern-day living. It is lined with world-famous restaurants and museums. The main draw of the city is its beaches, and most tourists come to witness the remarkable sea turtles in their natural habitat, try out paddle boarding, or see the man-made coral reef. Aside from Holetown and Bridgetown, other popular cities are Bathsheba, Oistins. And Speightstown.
International visitors will arrive at Grantley Adams International Airport as the airport serves the US, Canada, Central America, and Europe. A great way to travel around the country is by bus, which is the most affordable mode of transportation. Visitors who need a more flexible option can opt for a taxi. Taxis in the country are not metered, but the fares are regulated by the government based on the distance traveled and the cost is reasonably priced.
Barbados allows citizens of most countries, including Australia, the US, all EU countries, and the UAE, to visit and stay without a visa for up to 180 days. Nationals of other countries, such as Libya and Egypt, need a visa before arrival. All visitors must have a valid passport for at least 6 months.
Located in the tropics, Barbados experience hot sunny days and tropical rain showers during the summer months (mid-April to November). The cooler season (December to mid-April) has dry and less humid weather, making it the best time to visit the country.