Nevertheless, the methods discussed are largely different from each other. Differences are observed in the accuracy of the results. With conventional mammography, the accuracy of the results is 92%, with electrical impedance – 75%.
The first type of examination has no age restrictions, while the old method of detecting cancer is suitable for adult women. X-ray examination is contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding. The newly-developed method for the diagnosis of breast cancer has no serious contraindications.
Presented medical resources have a lot in common. First of all, a single goal of existence – a detailed study of the general condition of the mammary gland. In both the X-ray and electrical impedance versions of mammography, specialists use modern medical equipment. Both types of research are carried out in several stages in a matter of minutes.
The use of a specific technique depends on the age of the patient and her state of health. It is better for young girls with a hereditary predisposition to oncology or overweight women to use the electrical impedance procedure. A woman of 35 years of age with pain in the chest may be advised to have a regular mammogram.
Timely diagnosis of the disease is the first and important step in the fight against insidious ailment. To identify physiological pathologies, specialists use high-quality equipment and examination methods proven over the years. In the medical literature, there are such concepts as conventional and electrical impedance mammography. What are these methods, what is their role in the development of medicine and how similar are they?
All About Electrical Impedance Mammography
Electroimpedance mammography is an effective and quick method for examining the mammary glands. Using a multi-frequency mammograph, the electrical conductivity of tissues is assessed. A relatively young method of examination reveals the functional features of the mammary gland, its morphological structure and the type of structure of the organ (reproductive, postmenopausal, premenopausal or juvenile). In fact, specialists perform computed tomography of the mammary gland.
Diagnostic results can be presented in a mathematical or graphical way. In the graphic processing of information, the patient’s diseases, her age, the number of pregnancies and the effect of the drugs used on the body are taken into account. Each detail helps to recreate the overall picture of the current state of women’s health.
Electroimpedance mammography is a preventive technique and is performed once a year. An additional examination is necessary in case of ailments and malfunctions of the female body. So, repeated mammography is required if there are problems with lactation, after breast surgery, and with the appearance of pain in the chest area. Excess weight and a hereditary predisposition to neoplasms are no less good reasons for conducting a second electrical impedance examination.
The procedure takes place in several stages. First, the doctor talks with the patient. During the conversation, the doctor is interested in the current state of the patient, and also asks questions regarding the menstrual cycle.
Direct examination consists of four steps:
- Electrode overlay. Mammograph sensors are placed on the breast area moistened with a special gel.
- Then the technical equipment reconstructs the image, that is, it processes the data obtained through electrical impedance sensors.
- The third step is a visual assessment of the available images based on the processed information.
- In conclusion, the conductivity is measured.
The modern procedure has its positive aspects.
The advantages of such a survey are:
- Security. The medical procedure does not have strict limits on the frequency or number of examinations.
- The newly appeared procedure does not take much time.
- High accuracy of the results.
- Portable and painless method. Examination can be done at home.
- Lack of age restrictions. Electro-impedance mammography is acceptable in case of problems with the mammary gland in young girls and older women.
And everyone in medical practice still uses a different method for diagnosing female diseases.
Features of x-ray examination
X-ray mammography is a common and proven method of examining the mammary glands over the years. X-rays entering the body determine the current state of health of such a vital organ. Ordinary mammography is widely used in different countries and cities of the world. This is one of the reliable and proven methods for detecting breast cancer at all stages of the disease. Conventional mammography is used during the treatment of an existing neoplasm, as well as for the differential diagnosis of the resulting seals.
This type of examination is suitable for women older than 35 years, since at an earlier age, breast tissue has a high density and the effect of this technique will not give accurate results. There are a number of situations in which contact with x-rays can harm the female body. A similar procedure is contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation. The examination process takes place in a matter of minutes.
The mammary gland examines the x-ray machine in detail. Its effect on the body provides the necessary information about the current state of each mammary gland. Based on the results obtained, the specialist gives recommendations and instructions to the current patient. The accuracy of the methodology presented is 92%.
