Republic of the Philippines

UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN PHILIPPINES

University Town, Northern Samar
Web: http://uep.edu.ph Email: uepnsofficial@gmail.com
COLLEGE OF NURSING AND ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES

Activity
in

Mammography

Submitted by:
Balasta, Marialle Sam G.
BSRT 3-A

Submitted to
Dermalyn D. Malobago
Professor
 Using the conventional radiography equipment x-ray images of most skeletal system
can be acquired however when there is need to demonstrate the breast tissue, a conventional
unit is unsuitable. In this case a special unit called a mammography unit is needed. The basic
principle of mammography unit pretty similar to the conventional unit however their certain
key difference which we will explore in the next set of videos
You probably already know the that mammography imaging of the breast tissue.
There are two major reason why breast imaging requires a special unit. First, the breast tissue
is composed entirely with soft tissue. Also, the location of the breast tissue would make its
positioning and immobilization through conventional method much be difficult. Thus, the
mammography unit has certain modification which make it possible to successfully the breast
tissue despite of this problems.
The differences between mammography and conventional unit lies majorly in the
design of their tube, image receptor, and patient support system.
In the last video we mention that the composition of the breast tissue is the
major reason why we need a special unit to image the breast tissue. Let’s explain a little bit
more. Our video on contrast we discuss how the composition of structure in anatomical part
determines the radiographic contrast that can be produce. We stated that contracture with
different densities will naturally produce high contrast image. On the other hand, structure
with similar densities will produce a low contrast image. That is the problem of breast
imaging. Breast tissue composed of structure with extremely similar densities if we were to
use conventional method. Our image would have really low contrast so low that it wouldn’t
be diagnostically useful. In this video, we learn how to overcome this challenge.
On our video on contrast, we also pointed out that the Kilovoltage of an x-ray beam
affect the radiographic contrast. A low Kilovoltage beam is more differentially attenuated and
would produce a high voltage image. This means that to produce image of acceptable contrast
on mammography a very low kilovoltage needed. Conventional Radiography equipment
produce x-ray beam in 50-120 kVp. In mammography we want the kilovoltage to at low as
20-45 kVp. Conventional x-ray tube are not design to produce x-ray beam with kilovoltage as
low as this. Modification are made to the conventional x-ray tube. This modification is
majorly seen in anode target, electrode spacing, and filtration of the x ray tube.

1. Anode Target
Let’s start out with anode target. In mammography tubes, the anode target is commonly made
of the element molybdenum. This is unlike in the conventional tube where anode target is
most commonly made of tungsten. Let’s see why…
In our video in x-ray production, we learned about bremsstrahlung and characteristics x-ray
photons. While bremsstrahlung photons vary in their kilovoltage, characteristics x-ray
photons are uniform in kilovoltage and said to have narrow spectrum of x-rays. We also
leaned that tungsten at least 70kVp is required, to produce characteristics photons. Remember
in mammography, we always working far below 70kVp, this means that tungsten target are
use characteristics x-ray photons would never be produce because of this mammography
anode target are made of molybdenum instead of tungsten. Molybdenum has low atomic
number than tungsten. Using molybdenum target only 20 kVp is required to produce
characteristics photon. This is good, because mammography done at between 20-40 kVp. So
far we have discussed how the mammography x-ray tube has anode target made of
molybdenum instead of good old tungsten. We should also point out that mammography tube
is made of alloys of molybdenum and rhodium. This allows the production of higher photon
energies which is needed image beast tissue. Last, we should point out that mammography
anode target also differs from conventional targets in their focal spots. Mammography tube
has significantly smaller focal spot size for increase resolution 0.5mm focal spot for regular
use and an even smaller focal spot for magnification images.

2. Filtration
Filters are placed at the exit port of an x-ray. They help to absorb x-ray photons that have
little energy to contribute to the image. Remember that the x-ray photons use in
mammography already have little energy. Therefore, if the conventional aluminum was used,
the useful energy photons would be absorbed. In mammography tubes, thinner filters made in
molybdenum are used instead. In addition to being less dense than aluminum filters there is
another reason why molybdenum is used. We already mention that the anode target in a
mammography tube is made of molybdenum. What we haven’t mention is that useful x-ray
photons produce by the molybdenum anode target will have energy that slightly below the
biding energy of molybdenum. This forms the basis of the second reason. Why we use filters
that are made of molybdenum. This is known as the K- absorption Phenomenon, simply put it
means that molybdenum filters are selectively allow photons to pass through. If they have
energy, it is only slightly below the binding energy of molybdenum. Anything else is
considered useless and is absorb.
 Inherent Filtration
So far, we have been discussing added filtration we should also mention that the
mechanism for inherent filtration is also different in mammography tube. A major
source of inherent filtration is in exit window where is made in Pyrex glass in
conventional tubes. Like you may have guessed, Pyrex glass is too thick to allow
energy mammography photon to pass through so the exit window of a mammography
tube is commonly made of beryllium instead.\

3. Electrode Spacing
Another modification that is made to the mammography tube is the distance between the
cathode and the node of the tube because of the low kilovolt use in mammography. The force
that attract electrons from cathode to anode is smaller. Thus the cathode and anode in
mammography tube are made to be closer to allow this weak attractive force is efficient to
transporting electrons from cathode to anode. This also provide, the advantage of having
small x-ray tube in mammography. In conclusion, the major modification in mammography
tubes are in anode target, filtration, and electrode spacing

In the last video , we learn that the major modification in mammoragraphy tube are in anode
target, filtration, and electrode spacing. In this video we’ll go over modification that is related
to the tube.

Non-Tube Modification
One non-tube modification is the fact that mammography unit is design to be more compact
than conventional units. Also, mammography units are equip with a compression device.
Compression is important because it enables immobilization of breast tissue preventing
motion artifacts. Also, because compression reduces thickness of the breast tissue scatter is
reduced. Lastly, through compression all parts of breast tissue bought closer the image
receptor this reduces magnification. Another non-tube modification lies in the secondary
radiation grids. Mammography units require grids of lower grids ratio that includes our series
in mammography. We hope you enjoyed it.
Today’s topic is “What us Mammogram? Everything you need to know.”
A mammogram is procedure for the detection of breast cancer. It is an x-ray of the breast
which along with self-examinations and clinical test helps in the early diagnosis of breast
cancer. Breast cancer is the most common kind of cancer found in the women world wide up
more that 25% of all cases. Due to this, getting a mammogram beyond the age of 40 becomes
necessary even if it feels uncomfortable and intrusive. Here is everything you need to know
about mammogram
Types of Mammogram:
A regular x-ray of the breast as part of general checkup is usually known as screening
mammogram. It just provides a single X-ray of the breast and searches for any irregularities.
Diagnostic mammogram are conducted in cases where a medical professional has lumps in
the breast. The diagnosis mammogram is more extensive, requiring x-ray images from
multiple angles to find breast cancer. Diagnostic mammogram, become a necessity if a
person has breast implants.
When Should You Get a Mammogram?
Due to the high incidence of the breast cancer, expert’s advice women above forty years of
age to get a mammogram once a year or every two years. some experts believe that this
screening should start after the age of 45. Early screening are often advice to the family
history if breast cancer.
How to Prepare for a Mammogram?
A mammogram appointment requires a certain preparation on your hand. Substances such as
Deodorants, perfumes, body powders, and ointments on underarms and breast are to be
avoided. They often show as white marks on the x-rays. Make sure you visit the same facility
for your regular mammogram. In case you have to get screened at different place, make sure
to carry the previous report with you. Let your radiologist know if you are breastfeeding or
pregnant as X-rays are not carried out during such cases. The radiologist might employ
another method for screening the breast such as ultrasound.
The Procedure for a Mammogram
You have to undress down to the waist and may be given a smock or gown that ties to the
front of the body. You might be made to stand or sit, with each breast going on x-ray plate.
Multiple images are taken in this position, and the technician is going to review each image
as it develops. It can cause some discomfort but the procedure only last for a few minutes.
Digital mammogram makes the process quicker as the X-ray gets converted to electronic
image, making the technician’s job more efficient.
Is the Procedure Safe?
Much like regular X-rays, mammogram is completely safe. They do expose you to radiation
but in such small amount as to not prove harmful. However, they can be harmful to a
developing fetus. A pregnant woman is usually given a lead apron to wear if the mammogram
is necessary.
This animation will show how mammogram is carried out.
Mammography is a technique that takes x-ray images of your breast. The x-ray images of
called mammogram. Mammography is done using a mammography machine. Here we show
what a mammography machine looks like. Mammography is used for routine breast
screening. It is also use as a tool for diagnosing breast cancer and other conditions in women
with breast symptoms. This is sometimes known as diagnostic mammography. During the
procedure your breast is going to be pressed into two plates. This is done to flatten your
breast as much as possible so a clear image would be taken with a low dose of x-rays. Having
your breast place between the plate maybe uncomfortable and last for few minutes. The top
plates move down so that your breast is squeezed against the lower plates. The x-ray image or
mammogram is then taken from above. This is repeated from your other breast. You’ll be
asked to keep still as each mammogram is taken. The plates of mammography machine move
round so that another x-ray image can be taken from a different angle. Here we show the
mammography machine being move. Another x-ray image maybe taken from a different
angle. Screening mammography usually last up to half an hour. The images is taken from
different angles. Diagnostic mammography can take longer because more mammogram are
taken. This is what a mammogram of a healthy breast look like: