Mammogram Machine

Below are the steps I took and the procedures taken to derive at where I am today:
1) Mammogram
2) Tomosynthesis
3) Ultrasound
4) Ultrasound Guided Core Needle Biopsy
5) MRI

1) Mammogram: A mammogram is an x-ray exam of the breast. A special machine designed specifically to examine breast tissue is used. It takes a different form of x-ray and uses lower doses of radiation than a usual x-ray. Because these x-rays do not go through breast tissue as easily, the mammogram machine has two plates that compress the breast to spread the tissue apart. A more accurate image is obtained with less radiation this way.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2t_lW_PICl4


2) Tomosynthesis: Tomosynthesis is a special kind of mammogram that produces a 3-dimensional image of the breast by using several low dose x-rays obtained at different angles. For tomosynthesis, the breast is positioned and compressed in the same way as for a mammogram but the x-ray tube moves in a circular arc around the breast. It takes less than 10 seconds for the imaging. The information from the x-rays is sent to a computer, which produces a focused 3-D image of the breast. The x-ray dose for a tomosynthesis image is similar to that of a regular mammogram.

Tomosynthesis machine (very similar to a mammography machine).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoMOdW_xbY8

3) Ultrasound machines are used for more procedures and diagnostic tests than ever before, especially since the introduction of color Doppler ultrasound and high-frequency ultrasound techniques. But breast ultrasound is quickly gaining traction as an adjunct to digital mammography.

Non-invasive and painless, ultrasound only requires exposure to the area being examined. Instead of applying low doses of ionizing radiation to the area, an ultrasound probe simply uses measures high-frequency sound waves. Using this technique, clinicians can discover various abnormalities, such as masses, lumps and cysts of the breast, without the need for repetitive ultrasound testing.

For high risk patients who also have dense breast tissue, an ultrasound is often recommended to ensure that nothing is left undetected. By using sound vibrations, it is possible for a breast ultrasound machine to see inside the tissues of the breast without exposing women to high-risk secondary testing.

When a patient is given a questionable diagnosis from a routine mammogram, breast ultrasound machines are often used to confirm the abnormal results.  In order to confirm the presence of breast cancer, a surgical biopsy can be performed with the guidance of ultrasound. A needle may also be inserted into the suspicious area to drain fluids that accumulate within a cyst. As ultrasound technology continues to improve, expect to see more doctors recommend a breast ultrasound for higher risk patients as a routine supplement to mammography.

View the new Hologic machines used: (2) Tomosynthesis (3) Ultrasound and (5) MRI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gptg2lsSA_Y



4) Ultrasound-guided Breast Biopsy Procedure When an ultrasound examination reveals a suspicious breast abnormality, a physician may choose to perform an ultrasound-guided biopsy. Because ultrasound provides real-time images, it is often used to guide biopsy procedures. An ultrasound exam will usually need to be performed before the biopsy in order to plan the procedure and to determine if this method of biopsy can be used.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2z6AeTobz28

Romans 8:28

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.