Mammography

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Mammography: When You Should Have a Breast Examination and What It Can Detect

Breast health requires regular attention throughout a woman's life. Many breast diseases develop without noticeable symptoms in their early stages, making timely diagnosis one of the most effective ways to detect them. Mammography is considered the gold standard for breast imaging because it can identify even the smallest abnormalities before clinical symptoms appear. Regular screening allows treatment to begin at an early stage and significantly improves the chances of a full recovery.

What Is Mammography and Why Is It Performed?

Mammography is an X-ray examination of the breasts used for the early detection of both benign and malignant breast conditions. During the procedure, high-resolution images of the breast tissue are obtained, allowing the physician to evaluate its structure and identify lumps, calcifications, cysts, and other abnormalities.

Mammography is widely used both as a preventive screening tool and as a diagnostic examination for patients with symptoms or increased risk factors. Thanks to modern imaging equipment, radiation exposure is minimal while diagnostic accuracy remains very high.

If abnormalities requiring surgery are detected, modern breast surgery techniques may be recommended. Learn more about breast surgery [LINK TO THE BREAST SURGERY PAGE].

When Should You Have a Breast Examination?

Routine screening mammography is recommended for all women over the age of 40, even in the absence of symptoms. The frequency of examinations is determined by the physician based on age, family history, overall health, and individual risk factors.

You should schedule a medical consultation if you notice:

a lump in the breast;
breast pain or discomfort;
changes in breast size or shape;
nipple retraction;
nipple discharge;
redness or swelling of the breast skin;
enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit.

Mammography may also be recommended for women with a family history of breast cancer or for follow-up after treatment of breast diseases.

How Is Mammography Performed?

Mammography requires little preparation. The examination is usually scheduled during the first half of the menstrual cycle, when breast tissue is generally less sensitive.

During the procedure, each breast is placed between two plates of the mammography unit, and several X-ray images are taken from different angles. Gentle compression of the breast tissue is necessary to produce the clearest possible images while minimizing radiation exposure.

The examination typically takes 10–15 minutes. Most women experience only mild temporary discomfort, which disappears shortly after the procedure. Once the images have been analyzed, the physician prepares a report and, if necessary, recommends additional diagnostic tests.

What Can Mammography Detect?

Mammography helps identify a wide range of breast conditions before symptoms become apparent. It can detect:

benign breast tumors;
cysts;
fibroadenomas;
intraductal abnormalities;
calcifications;
fibrocystic breast disease;
inflammatory conditions;
precancerous lesions;
malignant breast tumors.

Mammography plays a particularly important role in the early detection of breast cancer. Early diagnosis significantly improves treatment success and patient outcomes. If breast cancer is confirmed, further treatment is planned by a multidisciplinary team using modern oncologic surgery techniques. Learn more about oncologic surgery [LINK TO THE ONCOLOGIC SURGERY PAGE].

Prevention and the Importance of Regular Screening

Regular mammography is one of the most effective methods for preventing serious breast diseases. In addition to routine screening, women are encouraged to perform monthly breast self-examinations, monitor for any changes, and seek medical advice promptly if any concerning symptoms develop.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, controlling body weight, staying physically active, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption also contribute to better overall health. However, no preventive measure can replace regular medical screening.

Timely mammography helps detect breast diseases at an early stage, when treatment is most effective. Regular screening examinations and careful attention to your health can reduce the risk of complications and help maintain a high quality of life.

What is myositis?

Myositis is an inflammation of muscle tissue. The term “myositis” encompasses both common inflammation following overexertion or exposure to cold, as well as serious autoimmune diseases: polymyositis, dermatomyositis, and necrotizing autoimmune myopathy.

In autoimmune forms, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own muscles, causing chronic inflammation. Without treatment, this can lead to persistent weakness, muscle atrophy, and serious complications.

How to recognize myositis: main symptoms

Look for the following signs:

• Muscle weakness—especially in the shoulders, hips, and neck; difficulty getting up from a chair or raising your arms.

• Muscle pain—may be constant or worsen with movement and palpation.

• Increased fatigue—even after minimal physical exertion.

• Muscle atrophy — with a prolonged course of the disease, muscle mass may decrease, and strength and endurance may decline.

• In dermatomyositis, characteristic skin rashes may appear: redness around the eyes (the “goggle” sign), and rashes on the finger joints.

• Possible difficulty swallowing or shortness of breath — if the throat muscles and respiratory muscles are affected (this requires immediate medical attention!).

⚠ Important: If you experience severe shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, or a sudden worsening of your condition, contact a doctor immediately or call an ambulance.

Why does myositis occur?

The causes can vary:

• Autoimmune processes—the most common cause of chronic myositis.

• Viral and infectious diseases—the flu, strep throat, and other infections can trigger muscle inflammation.

• Injuries and excessive physical exertion.

• Exposure to cold and prolonged exposure to drafts.

• Taking certain medications (for example, statins—drugs used to lower cholesterol).

• Concomitant connective tissue diseases (lupus, scleroderma).

• Cancer — in some cases, myositis may be the first sign of a tumor.

Treatment and rehabilitation

According to the clinical guidelines of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, treatment is selected based on the form and cause of myositis. Properly prescribed therapy significantly influences the course of the disease and the prognosis.

Drug treatment

• Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisolone)—the main treatment for autoimmune myositis, reduce inflammation.

• Immunosuppressants (methotrexate, azathioprine) — prescribed when corticosteroids are not effective enough.

• Anti-inflammatory drugs — to relieve pain and swelling.

• Antibiotics — if myositis is caused by a bacterial infection.

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is an integral part of treatment and includes:

• Physical therapy — a personalized exercise program to restore muscle strength.

• Physical therapy procedures — to improve blood flow and reduce inflammation.

• Massage — as a supplement to the main treatment.

Important to remember

• Do not self-medicate—myositis requires an accurate diagnosis and a doctor’s prescription.

• Seeking timely medical attention and receiving proper treatment significantly improve the prognosis.

• Follow rehabilitation recommendations—this will speed up recovery.

• Avoid triggering factors: hypothermia, excessive physical exertion, and stopping medication on your own.

• Visit your doctor regularly to monitor your condition and adjust your treatment.

Diagnosis and Rehabilitation at Helios

At the Helios Medical Center, we conduct comprehensive diagnostics, monitor the course of the disease, and develop a personalized treatment and rehabilitation program.

An important part of recovery is properly selected physical rehabilitation and therapeutic exercises, which help maintain muscle strength, reduce the risk of atrophy, and improve the patient’s quality of life.

If you experience muscle weakness, pain, or rapid fatigue, it is important to consult a specialist promptly.

V.L. Kovalenko — Physician of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM)

Laparoscopy in Gynecology

Laparoscopy is one of the most advanced surgical treatment methods in gynecology. Thanks to minimally invasive technology, a surgeon can make an accurate diagnosis and perform the required procedure without large incisions. This approach helps shorten hospital stays, reduce postoperative pain, and speed up the patient's recovery. Today, laparoscopic procedures are widely used to treat diseases of the uterus, ovaries, and other pelvic organs, providing high treatment effectiveness and faster rehabilitation.

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