Mammography Test Cost
Mammography Test Cost
Introduction
Breasts of women essentially have glands that make milk. Milk breasts secrete aids in nourishing infants who are newly born. Breasts are organs that are made of fats; these also have a complex network of glands deep in them. Nipples are points where milk-secreting ducts end at. During the time of pregnancy, women’s body undergoes a lot of changes – most of these changes occur at the hormonal level.
Hormone-based changes show up in key sexual hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. Prolactin is another hormone that also gets altered substantially during pregnancies. Some of these changes are aimed to make women produce milk to feed their babies – soon after birth.
Breast Cancer
Women (and some men) living with cancers in breasts are unlikely to witness any major symptoms. However, a significant sign to stay aware of is presence of a bumpy substance or a lump in your breast(s). It is possible to identify this symptom at a preliminary level; self-examination of breast(s) is a time-tested route to detect such signs.
It is also recommended to have a certified medical professional examine your breasts on a periodic basis. In some cases, the signs may differ from one individual to another; it is likely to experience softened ends of nipple(s). In some people, a lump i.e., a swelling of lymph node – can erupt at the armpit.
Watch out for an altered tone of skin of breasts and the pectoral areas surrounding them. In the first stage, people have also noticed enlargement of skin’s pores i.e., skin of your breasts. Lump-type of structure inside the breast may need a thorough investigation by a qualified doctor. However, you also need to know that not all bumps or lumps are symptoms of cancers.
It is a critical thing to detect cancers at an early stage – more so, when you are noticing any sudden alterations in size or shapes of breast(s). Cancers in breasts can also show signs like shrinking or swelling of the affected organ(s). This may also lend an asymmetric appearance. Caveat: It is not a rare thing to see a breast turning larger / smaller than the other. However, any sudden changes may need a check-up – preferably in a healthcare setting.
What Is A Mammogram Test?
Of the several diagnostic tests available to check the incidence of breast cancers, mammogram remains one of the reliable techniques. This technique is done by using x-rays of considerably lower intensity; these rays are targeted at the affected site / tissue. Ionised radiations of mammography can offer picture of breast tissues. This method is used for detecting eccentric formation of lumps or abnormal / anomalous growth.
Mammogram is done with x-rays. Rays used here are not as strong or intensive as those used for detecting bone-related conditions. Typical levels of intensity may be in the range of 17.9 keV. You need to know that keV is the unit of intensity of ionised radiations.
Beware of the limitations of a mammogram test; such tests do not have the capability to offer treatment to breast cancers. At best, mammogram test can indicate the presence of abnormal growth in breasts. Outputs of this test often leads to a few other tests like a biopsy or an ultrasound scan.
If you have an earlier occurrence of cancers in your family (among blood relatives) – especially in breasts, it is essential to have it exposed to a mammogram test. In general, it is a safe practice to get the test done once you are aged above 36 years.
It is a good practice to get your breasts checked once per 18 months. Your caregiver will seek inputs / clarifications on presence of any autoimmune conditions, congenital health problems and on gene-based alterations – passed through your parents, if any. It may be surprising for you to know that some men may also have cancers in their breasts! But such conditions may only occur very rarely. Research on this domain suggests only 10 in 1000 males may get it. Men who belong to families wherein cancers in breasts are common are more vulnerable.
You need to know these breast cancer tests are offered based in different technologies. These are offered in 2-D i.e., two-dimensional as well as 3-D formats. Digital-based mammography is fast gaining acceptance among both patients and caregiving teams.
The equipment has sensors to receive signals as digital messages. This makes digital forms of mammogram to discard films – which were widely used for a very long time now. Grab of images through digital means is clearer, and is of a higher resolution.
Mammogram Test Cost In Chennai
Price of a mammogram test is not a same-tariff in the many diagnostic setting of Chennai. Cost of this test varies on the coverage your insurance scheme is offering. A more full-fledged insurance plan is likely to cover diagnostic procedures like a mammogram test. But such insurance schemes are priced at a higher premium in Chennai.
The 2-D test is priced a few hundreds of Rupees lesser than its 3-D counterpart. The average pricing of mammogram test in Chennai is between INR 1,700 to INR 4,500. Many diagnostic set-ups offer this test through prior appointments. You are however required to have a valid prescription from a certified oncologist i.e., cancer specialist. Diagnostic set-ups may also accept prescriptions from general physicians as well as gynaecologists.
You may use the internet to search for scan set-ups in Chennai that offer mammogram test at cheaper costs. Your physician can also guide you to zero-in on a set-up wherein you are likely to save more rupees. Cost of this scan in Chennai can vary depending on the type of test.
In Chennai, you can avail a broad range of mammogram tests; these include film-based mammogram (this however has turned obsolete with no/ limited number of set-ups offering this), digital-based mammogram, 3-D form of this test, sono mammography as well as MR mammograph. Of these, digital mammogram is fast gaining traction. Many radiology and imaging (R&I) scanning set-ups are offering the digital mode in Chennai.
The digital mode is preferred as the level of absorption of x-rays is far superior to other forms of this test. As a result, your caregiving team(s) enjoy an access to very high-resolution (hi – res) images / scan outputs.
3-dimensional i.e., 3-D mammogram is also labelled as tomosynthesis of breasts. This works by combining various sources of x-ray radiations. As an outcome, your caregiving team is able to get a finer view of structures of your breasts. The sono mammogram is also known as breast ultrasound. There are diagnostic service providers in Chennai who offer this test as well. Here, your breast is exposed to waves of sound. These are of lower wavelength / higher frequency. With this approach, your breasts are scanned to get a detailed image of the structures. These waves are of sound origin; hence, there is no risk of x-ray radiations. However, it is not a new thing in Chennai to see breast ultrasound used in conjunction with conventional mammogram tests.
The MR approach to perform a mammogram test if gaining widespread popularity. This involves the use of radio waves as well as a magnetic field to create images of tissues of your breasts. You need to remember that magnetic resonance mammography is not an alternative to mammogram. The MR approach is used only when conventional mammogram test does not yield a clear output – owing to the complexity of your condition.
MR mammogram is also used when the tissues in your breast have turned denser. A few caregivers may order for MR protocol in order to do a better assessment of the images a basic mammogram test provides. Overall, this approach of MR is believed as a safer approach as against the risks of exposure to x-ray radiations.
In mammogram set-ups of Chennai, it is common for a female mammogram-technician to position your breasts on a platform – suitable for scanning. A plate-like structure presses the breast from the top. These plates are made of plastic. These bottom and top plates are kept in a static position; radiations / x-rays are passed on this arrangement to get an output.
Once the above procedure is done, the technician may advise you to shift the position. This is done to grab images from multiple perspectives. It is quite a common practice to hold your breathing cycle. This enhances the quality of output of mammogram test.
Lastly, it becomes important to know about the possible symptoms of cancers in breasts. So, if you experience painful nipple(s) or thickening of a breast, change of color of skin, inflammation of lymphatic nodes, etc., tell your doctor of such changes without much delay. In order to have more details about mammogram test in Chennai and how much it costs in this city; it is highly recommended to talk to your treating doctor or caregiving team in Chennai.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting that intake of a drug(s) or a treatment modality is safe or appropriate. You are urged to consult with a qualified clinical professional and get a treatment plan from her / him for the underlying medical condition(s).
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Shetty B s a cardiologist in Chennai, with extensive experience in the field. He completed his MBBS from Madurai Kamaraj University, followed by an MD in General Medicine and a DM in Cardiology from The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University (TNMGRMU).