Recommended investigations in breast screening
Clinical breast exam
In a clinical breast exam, the doctor carefully feels the breast area and underarms for lumps or anything else unusual. Women may also perform a breast self-exam, checking their own breasts for lumps or changes in their size or shape.
Clinical examination and breast self-examination can help women become more familiar with the usual look and feel of their breasts and identify changes more easily.
Mammography screening
Mammography is a type of X-ray examination used to examine the breasts. This type of imaging involves exposing the breasts to a small amount of radiation to obtain images of the inside of the breasts.
During mammography, a specially trained radiologic technologist will place your breast in the mammography unit. Your breast is placed on a special platform and compressed with a paddle (often made of clear Plexiglas or other plastic).
Usually, two images of each breast will be obtained, one image that produces a top-down view of the breast and one image that produces an angled side view.
Mammography is not painful! The correct position of the breast is the key to perform a correct and painless mammography, the patient feels a slight tension in the breast during compression, necessary to visualize all the breast tissue.
It's up to you! Don't miss your breast exam!
Breast Tomosynthesis
Breast tomosynthesis, also called 3D (three-dimensional) mammography or tomosynthesis mammography, is an advanced type of breast imaging that uses low-dose x-rays and computer reconstruction to create images of the breast. It helps detect and diagnose breast cancer early before women show symptoms.
According to Dr. Raluca Burlacu, a specialist radiologist at Affidea Clinics, breast tomosynthesis is a premier imaging investigation in breast cancer detection:
"Why is digital mammography with tomosynthesis the most advanced device? Because tomosynthesis is a special state-of-the-art mammography investigation that produces three-dimensional images of the breast using low doses of Rx radiation and can detect breast cancers at early stages. "
Breast Ultrasound
Breast ultrasound is a type of imaging research that uses sound waves to create images of the inside of the breast. Breast ultrasound can capture images of areas of the breast that may be difficult to visualize on mammography. It can also help determine the type of breast lump (solid mass or fluid-filled cyst).
For breast ultrasound, the patient lies face up on the examination table. A clear water-based gel is applied to the breast and then the physician will press the transducer firmly against the skin over the breast.
Breast ultrasound is an important investigation that complements mammography, but can never replace it. This is recommended in the following cases:
For the detection of breast cancer in women up to 40 years of age and the performance of a mammographic examination in women over 40 years of age.
For the description of benign and malignant formations of the breast.
Ultrasound-guided puncture breast biopsy to diagnose a suspicious formation.
In evacuative puncture of cystic breast formations.
It's up to you! Don't miss your breast check-up!
Breast MRI
During an MRI, a strong magnetic field, radiofrequency pulses and a computer are used to produce detailed images of the inside of the breasts. MRI is useful for finding abnormalities that are not visible on mammography or ultrasound. Generally, MRI is only used in women at high risk for breast cancer.
For a breast MRI, the patient is positioned face down on a platform with openings to accommodate her breasts and allow them to be imaged without compression. A nurse or technologist will insert an intravenous (IV) catheter, also known as an intravenous line, into a vein in the hand or arm. It is then moved to the magnet of the MRI unit and an initial set of images will be taken while the patient remains still. Contrast material is injected into the intravenous (IV) line and additional images are taken.