Mamografija i ultrazvučni pregled

Step 2

Mammography, ultrasound, and breast MRI

Breast imaging – mammography/ultrasound/MRI

The doctor refers you for and/or . Based on the findings and the 's assessment, sometimes a is also suggested. These examinations help determine whether there is a suspicious change and what the next step is.

Where are they performed?

and can be performed at and and health care facilities, while is available at secondary and tertiary health care facilities.

Preparation

Bring your ID/health insurance card and old reports or images. If you have implants, be sure to tell the . Remove jewelry and deodorant before (can create shadows).

What does the examination look like?

briefly compresses the breast to get a clear image – it can be uncomfortable but lasts very briefly. is painless. requires lying still for about 20–30 minutes.

What does BI-RADS mean?

is used to categorize diagnostic breast . Lower values (e.g., 1–2) are usually normal, higher values may require monitoring or additional workup. The will explain what your score means.

Implants and dense breast tissue

Implants and can make more difficult – that's why it is often combined with or . Tell the if you have implants or previous surgeries.

Safety and doses

The radiation dose from is low and standard for medical diagnostics. has no radiation. uses a magnetic field – no radiation.

If the finding is suspicious…

The suggests a . The (type, grade, , , , ) then guides the treatment plan.

Does it hurt?

can be uncomfortable due to brief breast compression. It is best to schedule it outside your period. is usually painless. is painless but requires lying still.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Always mention if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. is the first option. and are performed only with clear justification and with protection/protocols suggested by the .

When will the report arrive?

Often the same day or within a few days. Ask how to pick up the report and whether you will receive a CD/images. Save everything – it will be useful for the and future comparison of findings.

When to seek help immediately?

New, painful, red breast swelling with elevated temperature.
Bloody or purulent nipple discharge.
Skin or nipple retraction that is progressively deepening.

What exactly do these examinations show?

: X-ray image that shows breast structure and microcalcifications. Standard for detecting early changes in women after age 40–45.
: uses ultrasound waves, excellent at distinguishing fluid-filled lumps (cysts) from solid changes; common for younger women and as a supplement to mammography.
: no radiation; provides detailed images, especially for dense tissue, implants, or unclear findings. Performed in a targeted manner with radiologist indication.

How to prepare and what to ask?

Come in comfortable clothing without metal; avoid deodorant before mammography.
Bring previous reports and images if you have them (used for comparison of findings).
Ask the radiologist: 'What is my ?', 'Do you recommend follow-up or additional workup?'.

After imaging

The provides a conclusion and recommendation: follow-up within a certain period, additional imaging, or if the finding is not normal. If a biopsy is needed, you will be referred to a specialized facility, and then based on the and biological markers (, , , ), further treatment will be planned.