The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Mammography

Low-dose X-ray imaging of the breast for screening and diagnosis

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Radyoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Mammography?

Digital mammography uses compression paddles and low-energy X-rays to generate craniocaudal (CC) and mediolateral oblique (MLO) views of each breast.

Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT, 3D mammography) reduces overlapping tissue effect, improving detection in dense breasts.

Typical screening dose ≈ 0.4 mSv for both breasts; lifetime benefit far outweighs theoretical risk in screening population.

BI-RADS classification (0–6) standardizes reporting and management recommendations.

Symptoms

Screening mammography in asymptomatic women per guideline age
Palpable breast lump, focal pain, skin/nipple changes
Nipple discharge (unilateral, bloody or spontaneous)
Known or suspected breast cancer — contralateral staging
High-risk surveillance (BRCA, family history, prior biopsy) with supplementary MRI
Post-treatment follow-up of breast conservation therapy
Problem-solving after inconclusive clinical exam
Pre-operative localization when indicated

Risk Factors

Dense breast tissue — reduces sensitivity; supplementary ultrasound or MRI may be indicated
Breast implants — special projections (Eklund) needed; decreased visualization of overlying tissue
Pregnancy and lactation — limited role; ultrasound usually preferred
Compression discomfort — brief, essential for image quality and dose reduction
False positives and recall for additional views — patient education important
Overdiagnosis concerns — balanced against mortality reduction benefit
Radiation dose concerns — cumulative dose tracked in high-risk surveillance programs
Recent breast surgery or infection may complicate image interpretation

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • New palpable breast lump at any age — prompt clinical and imaging evaluation
  • Bloody nipple discharge — urgent referral and diagnostic mammography
  • Skin retraction, peau d'orange, nipple inversion — suspicious findings needing urgent workup

Treatment Methods

01
Schedule after menstruation (day 7–14) to minimize breast tenderness; avoid deodorant/talc on exam day.
02
Each breast compressed briefly (few seconds per view); total exam 10–15 minutes.
03
Compare with prior studies for interval change detection; additional views or US as needed.
04
BI-RADS result dictates management: 1–2 routine, 3 short-interval (6 months), 4 biopsy, 5 highly suspicious.
05
Supplementary ultrasound routinely in dense breasts; MRI in high-risk women or staging.
06
Multidisciplinary review for suspicious findings integrating imaging, pathology and clinical data.

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Radyoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Radyoloji Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

What Is MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)?

Radyoloji

MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves and is the gold standard for imaging the brain, spine, joints, and internal organs.

What Is CT (Computed Tomography)?

Radyoloji

Computed tomography provides rapid, detailed cross-sectional images in emergency, trauma, and oncology cases.

What Is Ultrasound (Ultrasonography)?

Radyoloji

Ultrasonography is radiation-free and is widely used in pregnancy follow-up and the evaluation of abdominal organs and superficial tissues.

What Is an X-ray (Plain Radiograph)?

Radyoloji

X-ray is the oldest and most widely used radiologic test, providing rapid diagnosis in bone and lung pathologies.

Doppler Ultrasound

Radyoloji

Doppler USG is critical for evaluating deep vein thrombosis, carotid stenosis, and organ blood flow.

Angiography

Radyoloji

Angiography examines all vascular systems in the body in detail, especially the cardiac and cerebral vessels.

PET-CT (Positron Emission Tomography)

Radyoloji

PET-CT combines metabolic activity with anatomical imaging in cancer staging and treatment-response evaluation.

Bone Densitometry (DEXA)

Radyoloji

The T-score measured by DEXA is the fundamental criterion for diagnosing osteoporosis and predicting fracture risk.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.