Mammogram
A mammogram is an x-ray test that produces an image
of the breast tissue on film. This technique is used
to visualize normal and abnormal tissue within the breasts.
Mammography can help in identifying cysts, calcifications,
and tumors within the breast. It is currently the most
effective way to detect early breast cancer.
Breast cancer is most treatable when it is found early.
There is no reliable way to predict who will develop
breast cancer and who will not. For these reasons, routine
early detection tests (checking for breast cancer when
there are no symptoms present) are recommended. All
women age 40 and older should have a mammogram every
year. Women at increased risk (e.g., family history,
genetic tendency, past breast cancer) should talk to
their doctors about the benefits and limitations of
starting mammograms when they are younger, having additional
tests (e.g., ultrasound or MRI), or having more frequent
exams.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound sends high-frequency sound waves into the
breast, and then converts the echoes from those waves
into an image of the breast tissue. Ultrasound is an
accurate way to distinguish between solid and fluid-filled
lumps, but it cannot detect small calcium deposits that
may indicate cancer. If your doctor discovers a suspicious
lump while you are pregnant, ultrasound may be preferable
to a mammogram.
Ductogram
A ductogram, also called a galactogram, helps doctors
detect masses in the breast ducts. The procedure involves
placing a small amount of fluid into the nipple through
a tiny plastic tube. The fluid can be seen on an x-ray,
and the doctor is able to identify any masses in the
breast ducts. This procedure is often used to determine
the cause of suspicious nipple discharge.
PET/CT Scan for Breast
Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT
scan) is advanced imaging technology that offers both
a functional and anatomical approach to evaluating your
body in one single exam. PET/CT imaging is routinely used
to distinguish between non-cancerous (benign) tumors and
cancerous (malignant) tumors, to evaluate if a cancer
has spread to other areas of the body (metastasized),
aid your physician in planning your treatment, and evaluate
the effectiveness of both chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
The ability to assess if cancerous cells are present while
evaluating its anatomical location at the same time results
in earlier detection and treatment of many cancers.
