Mammologist, breast surgeon
Who is a mammologist?
A mammologist is a specialist in women's breast health. They examine, diagnose, and treat various diseases of the mammary gland; diagnose and treat tumours; supervise rehabilitation; and conduct a series of examinations to determine whether there are any recurrences of the disease.
Every woman should visit a mammologist regularly from the moment she reaches puberty. This specialist monitors the health of the mammary glands and identifies the causes of various diseases, including neoplasms.
Breast diseases do not always manifest themselves with obvious symptoms. They can be asymptomatic for a long time, and a woman may simply not notice changes in her breasts. That is why regular consultations with a mammologist using ultrasonography (ultrasound) and mammography (after the age of 40) are important. This will allow most pathologies to be detected early, so the disease can be successfully treated and completely eliminated. In addition, a mammologist's examination is necessary in cases of hormonal imbalance, breast milk stagnation, or painful lactation.
A mammologist diagnoses and treats:
- Breast cysts;
- Mastitis;
- Mastopathy;
- Breast fibroadenomas;
- Breast tumours.
A mammologist is also necessary for women during breastfeeding, as the doctor helps to prevent lactation problems (lactostasis, mastitis, swelling of the mammary glands) and checks the condition of the mammary glands at the end of the lactation period.
The first visit to a mammologist should take place during adolescence, once the menstrual cycle has normalised and the mammary glands have formed. If a woman has no complaints, examinations can be carried out once a year, and once every two years after menopause. If there is a family history of breast cancer in close relatives, it is worth visiting the doctor more often, twice a year. It is also worth increasing the frequency of visits to the doctor for women who experience late puberty or menopause later than usual, have been diagnosed with mastopathy, or have had miscarriages or abortions in the past. It is also worth visiting the doctor more often for women who have refused to breastfeed or who have never been pregnant.
There are also several symptoms that should prompt an immediate visit to a breast specialist:
- Redness of the skin on the chest;
- Discolouration of the mammary glands or areola;
- Development of breast asymmetry;
- Pain in the mammary glands or armpits;
- Various changes in the breast tissue;
- Discharge from the nipples outside of pregnancy or lactation;
- Injuries to the skin and tissues of the chest.
To confirm the diagnosis and identify various pathological processes in the mammary glands, the doctor prescribes some additional examinations – laboratory tests and instrumental diagnostic methods:
- Ultrasound of the mammary glands (ultrasound). This examination can be performed at the FORTEMED medical centre as part of a consultation with a mammologist. Ultrasound helps the doctor to visually assess changes in the structure of the mammary gland, identify cystic or tumour formations, mastitis and other formations that require treatment or observation. At the FORTEMED medical centre, breast ultrasound is performed using the most modern ultrasonographic equipment;
- Analysis of female hormones: Blood test to determine the levels of oestrogen and progesterone, as well as follicle-stimulating and luteinising hormones. These have a direct effect on breast tissue. Changes in hormonal balance can cause breast abnormalities;
- Genetic testing for breast cancer predisposition. The detection of certain gene mutations predisposes women to breast cancer. These women require more detailed and frequent examinations.
- Tests for tumour markers. Blood tests for tumour markers are performed to detect the presence of breast cancer. This allows the detection of a tumour at an early stage, when there are no external signs or symptoms;
- Mammography (X-ray) is an examination of breast tissue to detect tumours;
- MRI mammography is the most accurate method for detecting abnormalities in breast tissue structure. It is a safe and effective type of examination that can detect breast problems of various locations at any age;
- Cytological examination of nipple discharge allows the detection of inflammatory, hormonal, and tumour processes in the breast;
- Palpation of the breasts. During the examination, the breasts and lymph nodes are palpated to detect lumps, tissue changes, cystic formations and cancer;
- Puncture of the mammary glands. To determine the nature of a tumour-like formation in the mammary gland, a puncture of the mammary gland is performed. During the puncture, a small amount of tissue is taken, and its structure is examined under a microscope.
FORTEMED mammologists
The FORTEMED medical centre employs a highly qualified team of expert mammologists and breast surgeons. These specialists are ready to provide professional assistance in solving breast problems of varying complexity, ensuring the highest level of care and support for patients.
Appointment with FORTEMED mammologists
You can make an appointment with FORTEMED mammologists using the most convenient method of communication for you:
- If you have additional questions or would like to contact our patient manager, please call 23304440;
- To make an appointment online, simply click on the red button at the bottom of the website or next to the selected specialist.
Our staff are always ready to help you find a convenient appointment time and ensure you see your chosen specialist as soon as possible. We strive to provide the highest level of service to make your experience with us as pleasant and effective as possible.
