My MAMMOGRAM Experience + CYST Removal From My Breast (Breast Cancer Awareness Month)

In 2016, I found something I thought was an abnormality in my right breast. I was not sure so I went in to see my Doctor who immediately checked to see what the problem was…

By the way, when it comes to my body and self care, I do not leave anything to chance. I do my best to take care of myself because I have to be well to take care of every one else God has trusted in my care. I encourage everyone, especially all women and mothers to do the same. You have to be well before you can take care of other people.  Please take care of yourself always.

When I got to the Doctor, she checked both breasts, saw a little lump on the right one and so, she decided to send me to an urgent mammogram immediately….

When I attended the mammogram, they found the little lump after the scan. I was held back immediately in the same hospital and the lump was removed on the day. I then went to further examination with a Specialist Doctor who examined my scan further and the details of the lump removed and he cleared me of breast cancer. He also advised me further that the lump they found on my breast was non cancerous and that it was something called MASS – a mix of fluid.

I was told specifically that it could reoccur because I have had it before. So I have to keep an eye on it and attend my GP for assessment from time to time or anytime I have any worries or concerns.

By the way, I am not sharing this for pity. I am sharing to create awareness so woman can pay attention to their bodies in general, especially the breasts and vagina. 

If you are not sure HOW to care for your Vagina, please check HERE

Removal of the Cyst on My Breast

The procedure was like 2% painful. The cyst was removed on the day and was dressed afterwards. I was then reexamined to see if all is well. Like I said before, on the day, I received an all clear result.

Picture After Procedure with the Dressing on….

What is a Mammogram

Mammogram simply means the assessment of the breast.

Here in Ireland, women are sent for mammogram from the age of 55. This in my humble opinion is late. I think every woman of child bearing age should be sent in for mammogram. Please do your own self breast assessment monthly, see more in pictures below….

What Does Mammogram Do? 

It is used for the early detection of breast cancer. When breast cancer is detected on time, it is easier to treat. Mammogram can detect even the smallest lump on the breast.

I had one and it detected the small lump I had on my breast. Like I said, it was removed on the day I went for the test.

Is Mammogram Painful

It is an “almost painless” procedure. It is not a pain you can’t bare. Although you will feel pressure and a little pain but not a pain you can’t bare. 90% women found it painless, research shows.

Mammogram is a machine / procedure used to detect breast tissue. The machine takes x-ray at lower doses than regular x-ray.  With the mammogram machine, x-rays don’t go through tissue easily, the machine has 2 plates that compresses or flattens the breast to spread the tissue apart. This prevent the use of high radiation and gives better picture.

Picture credit to American Cancer Society

Types of Mammogram

Screening Mammogram:

This is used for breast examination to detect breast cancer. In this case, pictures are taken from different angles to help get accurate results.

Diagnostics Mammogram :

This is commonly used for women who were detected for breast cancer before. It is used for further examination of the women’s breast if there is any abnormality in previous screening process.

What do Mammograms Show? 

Mammograms can not prove that any abnormality found in the breast is cancer, but it can help the health care providers decide whether to do more tests.

Calcifications:

They are very tiny mineral deposits within the breast tissue. They look like white spots on pictures which may or may not be caused by cancer.

Mass or Tumour:

Masses can be anything from cysts (fluid-filled sacs) or non cancerous solid tumours

This was the type found in my breast after mammogram and was removed on the same day. I was told it was non cancerous. I am grateful to God for this. I am grateful indeed. 

Any mass that is simple fluid filled cyst will need further examination in terms of biopsy. Biopsy is simply a procedure where a small tissue of the affected part is taken for further examination.

Is Mammogram Safe

Just like any other kinds of scanning or x-rays, it is important to let your help professionals know if you are pregnant. Having said that, mammograms are safe and would help detect any forms of cancer in the breast.

The modern machine used for mammogram these days give good quality images with very low radiation. All together, the total radiation dosage used for both breasts is about o.4mSv (mSV is measurement of radiation dosage)

If you feel any abnormality in your breasts, please go to your Doctor immediately. It could safe your life. It is recommended that women from the age of 20 have breast assessment monthly

Your Self Assessment Breast Examination Guide

I just wanted to bring you a quick awareness of breast cancer because it is breast cancer awareness month and secondly because I have gone through the mammogram procedure and I know how it works. Although cancer breast could kill, it is treatable if detected on time. Please do not leave anything to chance. If you feel any different in your body (breasts), go to the Doctors immediately, they are always happy to help. Never, ever leave anything to chance.

More Chit Chat on Mammogram + How I really Felt When I First Discovered the Lump

I hope you found this post helpful. It may not be helpful to you, please share the details you know about it with your sister, wife and everyone you care about.

By the way, it took a lot of guts for me to put my picture out here with that scar but this awareness had to be created because it could help just one woman stay alive especially when something like breast cancer carries a stigma in a society like ours. Don’t judge, help raise awareness, you could save your own sister’s life.

Thank you so much for reading. Wishing you an amazing day filled with joy and happiness. HAVE YOU CHECKED YOUR BREAST TODAY?

Much Love, Mojisola

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