On Mamogram Machines (2 &3D) and Breast Compression

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Mitanc
Mitanc Member Posts: 3
edited June 2021 in Not Diagnosed But Worried

I get mamogram once every 2-3 years. Still it is painful to go through compression of breasts. It always makes me tender and sore. Onetime my breast was little skewed and it pulled my muscles in the armpit. And going to regular treatment is difficult. Should I listen to my intuition or annual requirement. I can see breast can be held in a cupping and 3D imaging can be done easily.

IS COMPRESSION NECESSARY FOR BREAST IMAGING? Am I the only one complaining about it. Once a woman asked in another forum, do they compress prostrate for prostrate cancer?

IF new dental imaging does not have to touch face and can take 360 degree picture, why something more humane is not done for women's breasts? Why don't female doctors and patients asks for it?

Damaged breast tissue can cause fat necrosis. This is a noncancerous lump that's common after breast injuries or surgery. Fat necrosis is scar tissue that forms when fatty breast tissue is damaged or injured. Fat necrosis, dystrophic microcalcifications, and scarring also can mimic cancer, thus prompting biopsy.

Women deserve better non-compressing machine and comapssionate care.

Read an article at NIh.gov what happened here when post mamography pain was ignored.

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  • AliceBastable
    AliceBastable Member Posts: 3,461
    edited June 2021

    Breast tissue isn't the same as your jaw. Once you invent a non-touch imaging machine that works as well as mammograms, and is approved by all the regulatory folks, and has years of success, do let us know.

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  • DelightfulJade
    DelightfulJade Member Posts: 24
    edited June 2021

    I found the 3D machine much more comfortable. Seemed to require less compression

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  • ctmbsikia
    ctmbsikia Member Posts: 1,095
    edited June 2021

    I really don't think your breasts are compressed long enough to cause fat necrosis. That seems like a irrational theory. I would ask for another way to screen if breast compression bothers you so much, like ultra sound or MRI.

    This imaging mode has caught and saved thousands for 10 seconds of being uncomfortable.

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  • Mitanc
    Mitanc Member Posts: 3
    edited June 2021

    Thank you. I am going to try 3D this time.

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  • edj3
    edj3 Member Posts: 2,076
    edited June 2021

    It was always uncomfortable for me, not going to lie. Now with the damage to my left breast, its beyond uncomfortable. I was able to get it done in February this year but it hurts for days afterwards. Well to be honest, my left breast pretty much always hurts, this just makes it extra.

    Still. If this is how cancer gets caught early (as was the case for me with that 3D mammogram in March 2019), then yes I am going to get it done. I'd rather have a painful appointment and a breast that hurts for a few days afterwards than go through more surgery.

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  • Mitanc
    Mitanc Member Posts: 3
    edited June 2021

    I like options and not just compressing mamogram machine. There are many non-touch options but not covered by insurance or big hospitals. For example AI Bot tool by Nimai received European Patent. There are No Radiation Light scan, Cupping at Univ Chicago, laser-sonic device, Sciencedaily, Nontouch Theromograby, Ibreast scan exam and such.


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  • AliceBastable
    AliceBastable Member Posts: 3,461
    edited June 2021

    Well then, go to one of those places. When I first read your post, i was actually at my breast center in the waiting room between having my diagnostic mammogram and waiting for the results. Three years ago, just a week or two after having a manual breast exam by my PCP, my mammogram showed a lump that couldn't be felt. Yeah, I had cancer, and although mammograms may be very temporarily uncomfortable, they are widely available to women all over the world, and at no or minimal charge in many places.

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  • Jetcat
    Jetcat Member Posts: 64
    edited June 2021

    Hopefully our daughters will benefit from continued technological advances. Maybe a more comfortable mammogram in our lifetime! Or a vaccine

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  • flashlight
    flashlight Member Posts: 698
    edited June 2021

    I agree Jetcat! I really didn't find any difference in the breast compression with 2D vs 3D. 2D mammo's compress the breast and take images from the front and side. 3D takes multiple views across the breast in an arc. Years ago you had to pay extra for the 3D, but now they are replacing the 2D machines. My MO always gives me a script for 3D. I always take some ibuprofen before and after. It is well worth the discomfort. In life, no matter what you have done, plan on some discomfort and or pain.

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  • Jetcat
    Jetcat Member Posts: 64
    edited June 2021

    Flashlight—I’ve had 3D mammo’s for the past 5 or 6 years and can attest that they are very good at picking up calcifications! Very thankful for that, of course. Personally I don’t find mammograms painful but I know others who do. Now, Novocain shots and laser hair removal —- OUCH

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