Breast cancer is highly common for several women in the USA. If left untreated, this disease will deteriorate your overall physiological health. Nevertheless, early detection through mammograms can save your life. However, pregnant women are still highly concerned about breast cancer. Normally, doctors recommend mammograms to detect breast cancer. But, is a mammogram safe for a pregnant woman?
Are mammograms safe for pregnant women?
A mammogram is considered safe even though you are pregnant. The radiation exposure is minimal in this screening process. So, the fetus will not be at risk. But, it is better to avoid mammograms unless you have breast cancer symptoms. Consult with the specialist to talk about your concerns about the cancer.
More tips for mammograms during pregnancy
During the 2nd trimester of your pregnancy, the doctor will recommend mammograms. At this time, your breast tissues are not much dense. That is why it is easier to detect abnormalities in your breasts. Although mammograms do not cause high risks, you should take precautionary measures. It lets you keep your baby’s health safe.
- Consult your doctor or gynecologist before having the mammogram imaging test. It allows you to make the right decision on the test.
- Let the technician know about your pregnancy. He will then be careful and reduce the radiation exposure.
- Put on an easily removable, comfortable garment.
- Ask your healthcare specialist to know whether you can use a lead shield to safeguard your abdomen during the imaging test.
- Communicate to the technician if you feel pain and discomfort.
To find the best radiologist, you can get in touch with the Radiology Center At Harding. In Morristown, New Jersey, you will get the best mammogram services.
Is a mammogram effective for a pregnant woman?
Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy cause a rise in progesterone and estrogen levels. It may affect your breast tissues because hormones make your breast tissues denser. They facilitate glandular tissue growth and milk duct expansion for breastfeeding.
Higher breast density may make it challenging to interpret mammography reports. The denser tissues appear white on mammograms. It is similar to cancerous tissue, which also looks white in a mammogram. That is why it is difficult to differentiate cancerous tissues from healthier ones. It leads to decreased accuracy and potential problems like false-negative or false-positive outcomes.
False-positive outcomes occur if a mammogram shows an abnormality appearing as cancer. This problem can lead to stress, anxiety, and other diagnostic processes (like biopsies). You may also notice a false-negative report if the imaging test misses identifying cancer tissues. It may delay the treatment process and make symptoms complicated.
Conclusion
Mammograms are conducted during pregnancy in very rare cases. Doctors do not recommend the test for pregnant women if they have not noticed any breast cancer symptoms. However, detecting breast cancer signs is tricky for pregnant moms. Breasts may become tended and swell because of the growth of milk ducts. It prepares the women for breastfeeding. But, swelling prevents radiologists from detecting tiny lumps to identify breast cancer.
