Review: Breast Cancer Screening 3D Digital Mammogram and Ultrasound

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Reasons You Should Have Breast Cancer Screenings at MedPark Hospital
Review: Breast Cancer Screening with 3D Digital Mammogram and Ultrasound
What type of breast cancer screening does MedPark Hospital offer?
What is the preparation before breast cancer screening at MedPark Hospital?

Did you know that getting a breast cancer screening with a digital mammogram and ultrasound every 1-2 years can help detect breast cancer early? This early discovery can lead to a 95% treatment cure rate and a 30% reduction in mortality. Avoiding or delaying screenings due to fear of discomfort or embarrassment can result in detecting cancer at more advanced stages, potentially risking complete breast tissue loss or even life.

Is breast cancer mammography screening painful? Many report that 3D Digital Mammogram screenings cause less discomfort than traditional methods. When combined with ultrasound, this approach proves remarkably effective in detecting early-stage breast cancer. MedPark Hospital would like those contemplating breast cancer screening to explore the 3D Digital Mammogram and ultrasound process in detail, learn about each step of the procedure, and determine for themselves whether it is as daunting as you imagine.

6 Reasons You Should Have Breast Cancer Screenings at MedPark Hospital

Breast surgeons, radiologists, radiology technologists, and registered nurses who are highly experienced in breast cancer screening conduct the breast cancer screening provide guidance, and explain the procedure in a way that is easy to understand. They handle inquiries with politeness and pay close attention to any potential signs of breast abnormalities.
The state-of-the-art screening equipment ensures comprehensive and accurate detection of early breast abnormalities. Digital mammography, for instance, provides detailed imaging of breast tissue, fat, and calcifications. In conjunction with ultrasound, which helps differentiate between solid masses and fluid-filled cysts, this enhances diagnostic precision and enables appropriate treatment planning.
Same-day test results, usually within approximately 1 hour, with radiologists and breast surgeons reviewing and making the diagnosis jointly
The breast surgeon explains mammograms on a high-definition display, identical to the monitor used by radiologists for digital X-ray interpretation, that allows you to see structures and abnormalities within the breast, enhancing understanding of the surgeon's explanations.
In cases where abnormalities are suggestive of cancer, the doctor may recommend further diagnostic examinations such as biopsy or MRI scans. MedPark Hospital has highly skilled medical personnel, advanced medical tools, medical technology, and pathology laboratories that ensure fast and accurate diagnosis for prompt management.
For patients requiring urgent treatment, we have a team of breast surgeons, proficient in various surgical techniques, who can provide expert breast-conserving and aesthetic surgeries, alleviating concerns about body image and ensuring improved quality of life.

Review: Breast Cancer Screening with 3D Digital Mammogram and Ultrasound. Minimal discomfort. Quick Results. Easy-to-understand Explanation.

1. Make an appointment via the MedPark Call Center

Review of Breast Cancer Screening with 3D Digital Mammogram and Ultrasound: Comfortable, Quick Results, and Clear Explanations.

Booking a breast cancer screening (Digital Mammogram with Ultrasound) at MedPark is remarkably hassle-free. Contact our call center to inquire about screening details and schedule your appointment.

On the day of the appointment, if you have never been a patient at MedPark, arrive 30 minutes early to go through the patient registration process on the G floor.

If you are our current patient, you can proceed directly to the Breast Clinic in the Surgery Clinic, 6th Floor, Counter D.

2. History and Physical Examination

The staff will inquire about your medical history and take your blood pressure, temperature, and oxygen levels. The digital mammogram and ultrasound procedures will take place at the nearby Medical Imaging Center, 6th Floor, Counter B.

3. 3D Digital Mammogram

You will change into a hospital gown, which is more suitable for the examination. After changing and storing your belongings in the locker, you can wait in front of the mammogram room.

After a brief wait, the staff will usher you into the mammogram room. Upon entering, you will find the atmosphere far less intimidating than what you may have anticipated. Before the examination, a radiology technologist will inquire about pertinent details such as a family history of breast cancer, any previous breast surgeries, and any abnormalities you may have noticed during breast self-examinations. Following this, the technologist will explain the steps and adjust your posture.

The mammographic examination takes approximately 30 minutes. The radiology technologist will explain each step and expertly guide you through the various positions required for the examination. For those concerned about pain during a mammogram, it may be less uncomfortable than anticipated. If you experience any pain or discomfort during the procedure, notify the technologist.

Good to know: 3D Digital Mammogram screening is highly effective in detecting early-stage breast cancer. It can precisely identify the location of microcalcifications or small tissue changes that may not be detectable by physical examination.
MedPark Tips: The most appropriate time for a mammogram, when discomfort is minimal, is 7-14 days after your menstruation. During this interval, breast tissue is less engorged, which can significantly reduce or even eliminate any procedure-related pain.

4. Breast Ultrasound

Following the mammogram, a radiologist will conduct a breast ultrasound. You will lie supine on the examination table. The staff will insert a supportive pad under the examining side and cover you with a blanket for privacy. The staff will then open the shirt and apply ultrasound gel to each breast before the examination. The radiologist will place an ultrasound probe to thoroughly scan each breast, taking approximately 5-15 minutes per breast. The ultrasound examination lasts about 20-30 minutes, depending on breast characteristics and abnormalities detected.

Good to know: Ultrasound examination should be combined with digital mammography, especially for individuals under 30. This age group has denser breast tissue, making it more challenging to discern breast lesions with mammograms alone. Ultrasound helps differentiate between cysts and solid masses and can accurately detect lesions in dense breasts.

5. Waiting for the Results

After completing both procedures, the results will be available in about one hour. During this time, you're welcome to have a meal or relax in the waiting area of the Breast Clinic inside the Surgery Clinic. Staff will promptly notify you once the results are available.

6. Consultation with a Specialist Breast Surgeon

At MedPark, breast surgeon specialists will discuss the screening results with you. The surgeon will carefully review the radiologist's interpretation of the digital mammogram and ultrasound images, ensuring no missed lesions or abnormalities.

At this juncture, the breast surgeon offers to perform a clinical breast examination. You can accept or refuse. However, if there are indications of potential abnormalities, opting for the examination is advisable.

A nurse chaperone is present throughout the examination to assist and ensure your comfort at every step.

The breast surgeon specialist will explain each test result in detail in a friendly and easy-to-understand language. The doctor displays the digital mammogram images on a high-resolution 5-megapixel screen to explain the findings.

It is worth noting that this high-definition screen in the patient consultation room is quite rare. Typically, these high-end monitors, with a 7-figure cost, are the exclusive domain of radiologists' reading rooms.

Explaining the results with a high-resolution digital X-ray display screen has several advantages. It helps patients understand the structure of the breast and observe areas of abnormality, which motivates them to perform the recommended breast self-examinations more conscientiously.

Breast cancer screening results can be of three types:

Negative results: Patients can return home without further action.
Benign results: The doctor may recommend additional monitoring and schedule follow-up examinations at appropriate intervals.
Abnormal results: This result requires additional confirmatory testing. The doctor will determine which method will provide the best and most accurate results, such as an MRI or a biopsy, which helps formulate an effective treatment strategy.

In cases where breast abnormalities are detected and further testing is required, the staff will assist in scheduling appointments with relevant departments. This process is very beneficial and convenient for patients.

7. Receiving Test Results and Follow-up

Appointment (if abnormalities are detected)
After the consultation for the test result with the doctor and making payment, you have several options for receiving your test results – either collecting hard copy documents at the nursing counter of the Breast Clinic or receiving the result in a PDF file format through your email. This result reporting flexibility caters to patient preferences across all age groups

Breast cancer screening at MedPark is surprisingly comfortable, with efficient processes, short wait times, and expert care from experienced radiologists and breast surgeons. The staff offers personalized guidance with a familial touch.
The same-day results provide prompt action for abnormalities or lesions, instilling confidence in effectively addressing breast cancer or other issues early on.

For more information or a 3D Digital Mammogram and Ultrasound appointment, click here.

Where should I get a breast cancer screening?

Breast cancer ranks as the most prevalent cancer among Thai women worldwide. Consequently, women aged 35 and above should undergo regular breast cancer screenings. For individuals with a family history of breast cancer, annual screenings are even more crucial. These regular check-ups enable early detection and treatment of breast cancer in its early stages.

Where should one get an annual breast cancer screening:

Breast cancer screening should be conducted by medical professionals with extensive experience.
Our breast cancer screening utilizes advanced medical equipment and technologies that are recognized globally for their effectiveness in detecting early breast cancer with high precision. At MedPark, we employ 3D digital mammography, which offers superior detection sensitivity compared to conventional mammograms. This cutting-edge technology provides high-resolution images of breast tissue in intricate detail, allowing for more accurate and comprehensive screenings.
The 3D digital mammogram system captures multiple images of the breast from various angles, creating a three-dimensional view. This advanced imaging technique enhances the ability to detect small abnormalities that might be obscured and missed in traditional 2D mammograms, particularly in women with dense breast tissue. By offering clear, more detailed images, 3D digital mammography significantly improves the accuracy of breast cancer detection, potentially reducing false negatives and positives and the need for additional testing.
The medical facility should be equipped with cutting-edge medical equipment and technologies globally recognized for their effectiveness in detecting early breast cancer with high precision. At MedPark, we employ 3D digital mammography, which offers superior detail compared to conventional mammograms, providing high-resolution images and intricate details of breast tissue.
Enhance accuracy by combining digital mammography with ultrasound that efficiently identifies and differentiates breast abnormalities.
If abnormalities are detected, prompt follow-up tests, such as biopsy for detailed pathology examinations, should be readily available to ensure timely and appropriate treatment planning.

What type of breast cancer screening does MedPark Hospital offer?

3D Digital Mammogram: This advanced technology provides high-resolution images that enhance the visibility of small calcifications and lesions. Compared to traditional mammography, it is less painful, quicker, and uses lower radiation doses meeting international standards.
Ultrasound: In conjunction with a 3D digital mammogram, ultrasound increases accuracy in distinguishing and evaluating suspicious findings in the breast tissue.
Clinical Breast Examination (CBE): Conducted by a breast surgeon, CBE involves manual palpation of the breast to assess for any abnormalities. This is particularly important if a lump is detected, if there is significant swelling or tenderness under the arm, or if there are unusual spots that hurt when pressed.

What are the differences between mammogram and ultrasound?

Many people may wonder if it is necessary to undergo both mammography and breast ultrasound. The answer is that you can undergo either an ultrasound or mammogram, depending on age and medical advice. For instance, women aged 35 and above should have a 3D digital mammogram screening at least once a year.

However, for women under 35, while mammograms are possible, they are not typically recommended. This is because the risk of breast cancer is lower in this age group, and unnecessary radiation exposure should be avoided. Additionally, younger women are more likely to consult doctors due to breast lumps rather than calcifications. Therefore, radiologists often recommend an ultrasound. If abnormalities are detected, the doctor may recommend a mammogram on a case-by-case basis.

Each method has its distinct advantages:

3D digital mammogram involves compressing the breast tissue to enhance image quality from the top and side views using low-dose radiation. It quickly provides high-resolution images that show breast details, and small calcifications not detectable through ultrasound or physical examination.
Breast ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to differentiate between solid tissue and fluid inside the breast. It effectively delineates the borders of a lump, helping to determine whether it is potentially harmful and requires ongoing monitoring.

Therefore, to achieve the most effective breast cancer screening and accurately identify early abnormalities, choose a screening program that combines both methods.

What is the preparation before breast cancer screening at MedPark Hospital?

Schedule an appointment in advance for convenience and efficiency.
You can have food and drinks as usual.
Refrain from applying lotion, skin cream, or powder on the breast area. Do not use perfume, deodorant, or antiperspirant sprays under your arms.
If you have had breast surgery or have detected any breast abnormalities before the appointment, inform the staff and doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Cancer Screening

Q: At what age is a mammogram not yet necessary?
A: If you are under 35, doctors generally do not recommend a digital mammogram since the risk is low. Patients in this age group often visit the doctor due to palpable lumps rather than calcifications in the breast. Typically, doctors will recommend an initial screening with an ultrasound. If any abnormalities are detected, they may then consider a mammogram on a case-by-case basis.

Q: Is the radiation from a mammogram dangerous?
A: The radiation exposure from a mammogram is low, adhering to global safety standards. It is significantly less than the radiation from a CT scan. Therefore, it does not impact your health; the benefits outweigh the risk of breast cancer.

Q: Does the compression of the breast during a mammogram, which can be painful, increase the risk of breast cancer?
A: No, compression during a mammogram does not increase the risk of breast cancer in any way.

Q: Should transgender women (MTF) who have undergone breast augmentation get mammogram screenings?
A: Initially, doctors recommend performing regular self-exams. If any abnormalities are detected, it is important to see a breast specialist for a thorough examination using appropriate methods.

Q: Do transgender men (FTM) who have had mastectomies still have a risk of breast cancer?
A: There is still a risk of breast cancer because it may not be possible to remove all breast tissue. Some tissue may remain under the nipple or confined in small areas. However, the risk is reduced to almost the same level as in cisgender men. Therefore, annual mammograms are not necessary, but regular self-exams are recommended to detect any early signs of abnormalities.