Mammogram

What is a mammogram?

A mammogram is a special diagnostic x-ray procedure of the breasts and is very helpful in detecting breast cancer.

Why does a women need to undergo a mammogram?

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in Singapore constituting more than 20% of all cancers. Thus, a mammogram should be performed yearly, as an abnormality can develop any time.

When do I need to go for mammogram?

According to the American Cancer Society, any woman between 40 - 49 years old should have a mammogram done every 1 - 2 years. As for women over 50 years old, mammogram should be done on a yearly basis.

What do I need to prepare before mammogram?

No preparation or fasting is required and you can have it done any time. But do not use power or deodorant on your breasts or armpits on the day of examination, as it will affect the x-ray image. It will be more convenient to wear a blouse rather than a dress, as you will be asked to undress from waist up.

How long is the examination?

It takes about 15 to 20 minutes to perform the examination.

Do mammograms hurt?

A mammogram should not "really hurt." It may cause discomfort, but not out-and-out pain. Mammograms may be uncomfortable because it is necessary to spread the breast tissue out as evenly as possible to obtain a good image. This requires that the breast be sandwiched between two pieces of Plexiglass-like material on the machine. This probably does not feel very good, but the radiographer doing the mammogram should never compress the breasts to the point that it is painful. If it does truly hurt, then you should tell the radiographer so she can reposition the breast.

Ultrasound

What is ultrasound?

Ultrasound is a technique which uses high frequency ultrasonic waves to produce images. It is radiation free and safe for everyone including pregnant women and children.

Why is a breast ultrasound necessary?

It evaluates a lump or an abnormality seen on a mammogram and it complements the findings in a mammogram.

Is any preparation needed before breast ultrasound?

No preparation is needed.

Bone Mineral Density (BMD)

What is a bone mineral density (BMD) test?

A BMD test is a quick, safe and painless test that measures bone strength and predicts if your bones are at risk for fracture. It is the single best way to predict your risk of fracture. Measurements are usually taken of the bones in your spine. You typically remained clothed during the procedure. No dyes are injected. There are several types of BMD tests; some may use very small amount of radiation, while others do not.

Talk to your health care professional to learn more about the procedure and further alleviate any fears you may have about this test.

What are the common risk factors for developing osteoporosis?

Women with the following characteristics are more prone to osteoporosis:

Thin or small framed
Approaching or past menopause
Milk intolerant or have a low calcium intake
A cigarette smoker or drink alcohol in excess
Have a family history of osteoporosis
Chronic intestinal disorders

When should I consider a Bone Mineral Density (BMD) test?

A BMD test is recommended :

for all women 40-years old or older who have sustained a fracture
for all women beyond 65 years of age
for women who have x-ray findings that suggest osteoporosis
for risk assessment in perimenopausal or postmenopausal women who have risk factors for fractures. "Perimenopausal" is a term applied to the several years preceding menopause.

Computerized Tomography (CT)

Why is CT useful?

It makes use of x-ray and a computer to give three dimensional images. It allows the radiologist to view cross sections of the body at different angles as compared to general x-ray pictures which are one-dimensional only.

What is the contrast injection that I may receive during the scan?

It is a "dye" which enhances the ability of CT scans to pick up abnormalities. Majority of patients need contrast injection and it is routinely performed.

What is the preparation needed before the scan?

6 hours of fasting is only needed for certain scans, so it depends what scan you will be doing. Relevant old films are needed for comparison, so it is advisable to bring them along for the scan. Please also inform the radiologist or radiographer if you are on medication for conditions like asthma, diabetes, cardiac or kidney diseases, etc or if you think you may be pregnant.