Mammogram Screening Singapore: Why is it done? During a mammogram, the breast is compressed between two plates to spread the tissue for ...
Mammogram Screening Singapore: Why is it done?
During a mammogram,
the breast is compressed between two plates to spread the tissue for clearer
imaging. This allows radiologists to detect even the smallest changes in breast
tissue, which may not be felt during a self-exam or clinical check.
Mammogram screening in Singapore can be divided into two primary groups;
screening mammograms and diagnostic mammograms. Screening mammograms are
performed on women without symptoms to catch breast cancer early.
On the other hand,
diagnostic mammograms focus on areas of concern. In Singapore, regular
mammograms are a vital part of preventive healthcare, particularly for women
aged 40 and above. Stay on this page to see why mammograms are recommended.
What Is
the Purpose of a Screening Mammogram?
A screening
mammogram aims to detect breast cancer in its earliest stages. Usually, the
goal is to catch breast cancer even before any symptoms appear.
This is important
because breast cancer do not always give clear indications of its presence.
However, screening programs like a mammogram in Singapore can reveal its
presence before it wreaks havoc.
Early detection not only improves the chances
of successful treatment and but also ensures better survival rates. A mammogram
can identify:
•
Tumors too small to feel: Mammograms
can detect tumors at a stage when they are too small to be felt through
physical examination which allows for early intervention. These small tumors,
although asymptomatic, may still be malignant and require further
investigation.
•
Microcalcifications: Mammograms
can reveal microcalcifications, which are tiny calcium deposits in the breast
tissue. While often benign, these calcium deposits can sometimes be indicative
of early-stage cancer. The presence and pattern of these deposits help
radiologists assess the risk of malignancy and guide further diagnostic steps.
•
Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS): Mammograms
can identify DCIS, where abnormal, non-invasive cells are confined to the ducts
of the breast, representing an early and highly treatable form of cancer.
Detecting DCIS through screening allows for prompt intervention, potentially
preventing the development of invasive cancer.
Why is
Mammogram Screening Important?
To begin, there is
more than one type of mammogram screening in Singapore. The most common options
include film mammography, digital mammography, digital brest tomosynthesis
(DTB) AND 2D mammography.
Film mammography produces
traditional X-ray images of the breast, digital Mammography captures images
electronically for better analysis and storage, DBT creates a 3D picture by
combining multiple X-rays taken from different angles and 2D Mammography provides
a flat, two-dimensional image of the breast.
Digital
mammography and DBT are more commonly used today due to their enhanced accuracy
and ability to detect abnormalities in dense breast tissue. Regular mammograms
help identify changes that might indicate cancer long before symptoms develop.
Early detection
leads to simpler, more effective treatments and improved outcomes. Your
provider will guide you on when to start screening based on your age, risk
factors, and family history.
How Long
After a Mammogram Will I Get Results?
If you're planning
for a mammogram in Singapore, a key question you may be itching to ask is how
long after the mammogram will you get the results. Well, there isn't a specific
timeline for when to expect results after a mammogram.
This is because the
time frame for mammogram results varies. The good thing is you won’t wait
forever.
Typically, the
amount of wait time to get mammogram test results ranges from a few days to a
few weeks. However, if there is a concerning finding, you’ll likely hear
sooner. Real quick, here is a summary of when you can get the results of your
mammogram screening in Singapore;
•
Screening Mammograms: For
routine screenings, the results are sent to your general practitioner (GP)
within a couple of weeks. If you haven’t received them after 30 days, follow up
with the facility.
•
Diagnostic Mammograms: If
a specific concern led to the mammogram, such as a lump or other symptoms, the
radiologist often provides immediate feedback. Further tests might be scheduled
if anything unusual is detected.
After the
mammogram, a radiologist reviews the mammogram images and looks for signs of abnormalities, such as unusual growths, calcifications,
or dense tissue. They report their findings to your doctor, who will share them
with you.
Delays in
receiving results can cause unnecessary anxiety, but most facilities in
Singapore strive to deliver reports promptly. If anything concerning is found,
early notification ensures that follow-up testing or treatment can begin
quickly.
Now you're
probably wondering; what happens if something is found in a mammogram? If a
mammogram reveals something unusual, you will be recommended follow-up
assessments to determine whether the finding is benign or cancerous. You may be
called back for additional tests such as:
- Another mammogram which would be
focused on a specific area for more clarity.
- Ultrasound to distinguish
between solid masses and fluid-filled cysts.
- MRI which offers detailed
imaging, particularly helpful for dense breast tissue.
You may also be
recommended a physical examination where a doctor may perform a clinical breast
exam to feel for lumps or abnormalities. If imaging tests suggest potential
cancer, a biopsy is usually the next step.
This involves
removing a small tissue sample from the breast for microscopic analysis.
Results are typically available within a week, and your doctor will explain the
findings. Common reasons for callbacks after mammograms include;
•
Dense
Breast Tissue which makes it harder to see abnormalities on a mammogram thus often
requiring additional imaging.
•
Unclear
imaging since sometimes, the initial images aren’t detailed enough and need to
be retaken and;
•
If
the mammogram shows anything suspicious, further evaluation is necessary.
Most callbacks
don’t result in a cancer diagnosis. However, they are essential for ensuring
that any potential issue is thoroughly investigated.
It's a
Wrap
Mammograms can
effectively help detect breast cancer early, often before symptoms develop. In
Singapore, regular screenings are recommended for women over 40 or those with a
family history of breast cancer.
If something
unusual is found during your mammogram, follow-up tests like additional imaging
or a biopsy will help clarify the results. Schedule your mammogram today
to take charge of your breast health. Speak to a women's health specialist
below to determine the best screening plan for you;
The Health
Advisory Clinic - STD & HIV Testing Singapore
1 Raffles Pl,
#04-49, Singapore 048616
+65 6226 6442
https://healthclinicgroup.com/
