Bilateral Mammography

• Purpose: Detect early signs of breast cancer, cysts, or benign lumps.
• Method: Low-dose X-ray images of both breasts taken at the same visit.
• Duration: 15–20 minutes from check-in to finish.

A Bilateral Mammography X-Ray Scan is a specialized breast imaging test that takes two X-ray views of each breast—one from top-to-bottom and one from side-to-side. These images are compared to look for:

• Microcalcifications (tiny calcium deposits).
• Masses or tumors that may not be felt during a self-exam.
• Structural differences between the left and right breast. Cadabams Diagnostics uses digital mammography, which produces sharper images and requires less compression time.

• Breast density (fatty vs. dense).
• Presence of masses (size, shape, margins).
• Calcification pattern (clustered, linear, pleomorphic).
• Architectural distortion.
• Symmetry between breasts.

• Early cancer detection before symptoms appear.
• Monitoring high-risk patients with BRCA mutations.
• Evaluating breast implants for rupture or displacement.
• Post-treatment surveillance after surgery or radiation.

When

• Routine screening: Every 1–2 years for women 40+.
• Follow-up: After an abnormal finding on a previous scan or ultrasound.
• Symptoms present: Lump, nipple discharge, or persistent pain. Who
• Women aged 40–74 (asymptomatic, average risk).
• High-risk individuals with family history or genetic mutations.
• Men with gynecomastia or symptoms (rare cases).

• Reduces mortality by 20–30% in women 50–69.
• Minimally invasive—no needles or anesthesia.
• Quick results—digital images are ready within minutes.
• Cost-effective compared to advanced imaging.

• Invasive ductal carcinoma.
• Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).
• Fibroadenomas and fibrocystic changes.
• Cysts and abscesses.

• Avoid deodorant, perfume, or powder on scan day (can appear as calcifications).
• Wear a two-piece outfit for easy undressing from the waist up.
• Bring prior mammogram images if done elsewhere—comparison is key.

• Doctor’s referral for symptomatic cases.
• Valid ID and health card at reception.
• Completed questionnaire on family history and symptoms (provided on arrival).

• Week after your period—breasts are less tender.
• Avoid the week before menstruation—hormonal swelling can affect image quality.
• Post-menopausal women: Any time is suitable.

1. Check-in: Verify identity and history.
2. Changing: Remove jewelry and clothing from the waist up; wear a gown.
3. Positioning: Technologist places each breast on the X-ray plate and compresses gently.
4. Imaging: 4 images total (2 per breast).
5. Review: Radiologist checks image quality; repeat views if motion blur.

• Inform staff if pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Mention implants—special views are needed.
• Report skin conditions like eczema or open wounds on the chest.

Risks

• Radiation exposure: Very low—equivalent to 2 months of natural background radiation.
• False positives: 5–10% may need further testing; most turn out benign. Limitations
• Dense breast tissue can mask small cancers.
• Not all cancers show up on a mammogram. Cadabams Diagnostics combines mammography with ultrasound or MRI when tissue is very dense.