Proposed Mammography Protocol and Pre-Mammography Survey for Transgender Patients

BackgroundEarly detection of breast cancer reduces the risk of mortality, with mammography being the gold standard for detecting breast cancer. Currently, there is no consensus on breast screening in transgender patients, with only recommendations from various international health organizations, which differ from one another. The objective of this research was to determine the mammographic projections applicable to transgender patients, in order to propose a mammography protocol and a pre-mammography survey focused on this patient group. MethodologyA semi-structured survey with both closed and open-ended questions was conducted, which was answered by radiologists specializing in mammography. To propose mammographic projections, the survey included questions about the transitional phase, hormone use, surgeries, and breast tissue development. To propose a pre-mammography survey for transgender patients, questions about risk factors and surgical treatments were included. ConclusionsA mammographic protocol is proposed according to the transitional phase, along with a pre-mammography survey for transgender patients, based on information gathered from a survey answered by 20 radiologists specializing in mammography. This contributes significantly to the screening process for this patient group.