Mammography is a high-resolution X-Ray imaging of the breasts, and is the most common screening test for breast cancer. In Hong Kong, it is recommended that women over 40 undergo mammography screening every 2 years. Mammographs are especially useful for detecting abnormalities that show no symptoms, are not painful, or could not be detected by touch alone. During a mammograph, the patient will stand in front of a mammography machine. The radiographer will gently position the breast on the platform with an X-Ray negative. One breast will be X-Rayed at a time. Each breast is gently flattened between two plates of the X-ray machine for a few seconds, during which an image of the breast will be taken. Although slightly uncomfortable, the flattening action is needed for the breast tissue to be spread apart and properly visualized. The image taken will then be developed by a radiographer and examined for abnormalities by a radiologist.  

Breast calcifications

Instrument

MAMMOMAT Inspiration is an advanced mammography system which gives a smaller dose of radiation but with uncompromised image quality. It can auto-detect the pressure applied to the breasts. To minimise patients' discomfort, the system will stop compressing the breasts when it obtains the optimal quality image. In addition, the personalized OpDose system optimally sets exposure parameters for each breast and ensures the right radiation dose. The whole procedure only takes a few seconds. 

*The whole process is operated by our female radiographer, reducing feelings of embarrassment.