Screening and Mammography
Breast health is one of the most important health issues directly affecting women's quality of life. Early diagnosis is crucial in the fight against breast cancer; because the earlier cancer is detected, the higher the treatment success rate. For this reason, mammography is considered the "gold standard" in breast cancer screening worldwide.
Dr. Atasoy Clinic offers high-resolution digital mammography equipment providing breast tissue visualization to the finest detail, low-dose radiation, and comfortable screening services. The goal is not only disease detection, but to identify early-stage risks and implement protective health approaches.
What is Mammography and How Does It Work?
Mammography is an imaging method in which breast tissue is examined using low-dose X-rays.
Thanks to advanced digital detectors, breast tissue is visualized with high contrast and even millimeter-level abnormalities can be detected.
In particular, microcalcifications (small calcifications that may indicate early-stage cancer) can be detected by mammography.
Today's digital mammography systems are more sensitive than classical film-based devices, contain less radiation, and have much shorter imaging times.
The fully digital mammography systems used at Dr. Atasoy Clinic are at the most advanced level in terms of both diagnostic accuracy and patient comfort.
Difference Between Screening Mammography and Diagnostic Mammography
Mammography can be performed for two different purposes:
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Screening mammography: Performed routinely for early diagnosis purposes in women without any symptoms. The goal is to detect small lesions that are undetected or impalpable.
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Diagnostic mammography: Applied when there are symptoms such as breast mass, pain, discharge, or skin changes. The target is to clarify the reason for an existing finding.
At Dr. Atasoy Clinic, whether screening or diagnostic mammography is appropriate is determined according to the patient's age, family history, and risk profile.
When and How Often Should Mammography Be Performed?
According to recommendations from organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and American Cancer Society (ACS):
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Every woman from age 40 should undergo mammography once a year.
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In women with a family history of breast cancer, screening can begin from age 35.
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Regular annual mammography should continue in the post-menopausal period.
At Dr. Atasoy Clinic, screening frequency is planned individually based on personal risk factors.
In some cases, mammography combined with ultrasound is used to increase diagnostic accuracy.
How Is Mammography Performed?
Mammography is a short, painless, and safe procedure.
No preparation is required, but a few small points should be noted:
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Appointment timing: Imaging should be done in the first week after menstruation ends. During this period, breast tissue is less sensitive.
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Avoid creams or deodorants: These substances may affect image quality.
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Imaging phase: The patient is positioned in front of the machine and breast tissue is briefly compressed between two plates. This compression is done to enhance image quality.
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Imaging duration: Completed within approximately 10-15 minutes.
The equipment used at Dr. Atasoy Clinic has an automatic compression adjustment system. This means breast tissue is compressed only as much as necessary; pain and discomfort are minimized.
Types of Mammography
Mammography technology has made tremendous advances today.
The main types of mammography used at Dr. Atasoy Clinic are:
1. Digital Mammography
Digital detectors are used instead of classical film. Images are obtained in digital format and can be enlarged and examined on computer. It provides high-resolution results with low-dose radiation.
2. Three-Dimensional Tomosynthesis (3D Mammography)
This method scans breast tissue in layers to obtain three-dimensional images. It particularly reduces false positive results in women with dense breast tissue.
3D mammography is one of the most advanced technologies for detecting early-stage breast cancer.
3. Contrast-Enhanced Mammography
Used when vascular structure evaluation is necessary. Intravenous contrast is given to analyze tumor blood supply characteristics. It serves as an alternative method in patients where MRI imaging cannot be performed.
Evaluation of Mammography Results
Mammography results are evaluated according to BI-RADS (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System), an international classification system.
Each BI-RADS category indicates how serious the finding is and which follow-up steps should be taken.
| BI-RADS Category | Description | Recommendation |
| 0 | Additional evaluation may be needed | Additional ultrasound or MRI |
| 1 | Normal findings | Routine follow-up |
| 2 | Benign lesion | Routine follow-up |
| 3 | Probably benign | Follow-up in 6 months |
| 4 | Suspicious finding | Biopsy recommended |
| 5 | High likelihood of malignancy | Further evaluation / surgical planning |
| 6 | Diagnosed malignancy confirmed | Treatment process is planned |
At Dr. Atasoy Clinic, each patient's results are evaluated in detail; if needed, additional ultrasound or MRI imaging is planned.
Reports are presented to the patient in an understandable manner and treatment planning is established with relevant specialists if necessary.
Dense Breast Tissue and Mammography Limitations
Some women naturally have dense breast tissue; this can make detecting lesions difficult on mammography images.
Dense breast tissue is commonly seen in young women. For this reason, in this group of patients, combined examination with ultrasound or MRI along with mammography is recommended.
At Dr. Atasoy Clinic, each patient's breast structure is evaluated and a personalized screening plan is created using the appropriate method.
Is Mammography Safe?
Yes. Modern digital mammography devices use very low doses of X-rays.
This dose is only a small fraction of annual natural radiation exposure and poses no health risk to humans.
Additionally, when mammography is evaluated in terms of benefit-risk ratio, it is a life-saving method in early diagnosis.
Imaging Methods Used With Mammography
At Dr. Atasoy Clinic, mammography is generally supported by other imaging methods to increase diagnostic accuracy:
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Breast ultrasonography: Used to clarify lesions in dense breast tissue.
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Breast MRI (Magnetic Resonance): Shows blood supply patterns; particularly used in high-risk patients.
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Elastography: Measures tissue stiffness to help determine the nature of masses.
The combination of these methods greatly reduces false positive and negative results.
Screening and Mammography Experience at Dr. Atasoy Clinic
Dr. Atasoy Clinic targets maximum standards in early diagnosis, patient comfort, and diagnostic accuracy in breast health.
The digital systems used are internationally quality-certified and operate at the lowest possible radiation levels.
Each patient is evaluated according to personal risk factors, age, genetic predisposition, and hormonal status.
Results are presented by the radiology specialist in personalized report format.
The clinic supports not only disease detection but also preventive health and regular follow-up awareness.
Dr. Atasoy's approach is based on this principle:
"Every disease detected early can be successfully treated."
