Why Get a Screening Mammogram?

A Screening mammogram is a valuable tool for the early detection of breast cancer. By having a screening mammogram on a yearly basis, the radiologist can use your previous exams to determine if ANY SUBTLE or SUSPICIOUS changes have occurred in your breast tissue. By finding breast cancer in its earliest stages:

• The likelihood of cancer spreading to other areas of your body is reduced
• There are more conservative treatment options available
• Surgical options allow much less breast tissue to be removed
• Recovery from a smaller breast cancer is usually much less than from a larger cancer

Although these exams are not perfect and may not detect every cancer, there have been many lives saved because of women choosing to get their yearly screening mammogram.

Who needs a Screening mammogram?

It is recommended that women should start getting screened for breast cancer around age 35. Because some women may be at a higher risk than others, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine when the right time is for you to start getting this important exam. 

What to expect during a screening mammogram?

When you arrive for this test, you will be told to undress from the waist up. You will be given a gown to keep you covered. You will be asked to remove all powders, perfumes, and deodorant as these may hinder the quality of your mammogram.

When the technologist is ready, you will be brought into the exam room. The technologist will ask you several questions such as:

• Your personal and family history of breast cancer
• Your use of hormones
• Your breast history (ie: any breast surgeries, scars, moles)
• If you are having any breast problems
• How many children you have had

After your history is taken, you will be asked to expose one breast by taking one arm out of your gown. Your breast will be placed on a tray on a mammogram machine. The technologist will apply compression to your breast by having another tray on the machine to move onto your breast. When the correct amount of compression is reached, the technologist will step away from you and ask you to not breathe. An x-ray will be taken and you may hear a 'beep' from the machine. The compression will immediately release and you will be allowed to breathe regularly.

Several images will be taken of your breast; typically, no more than 6. After the images have been taken, your technologist will review them and then instruct you that your exam is complete and will allow you to get dressed and to leave. You should receive your results within 30 days.



Will it hurt?

Some women state that their mammogram is very uncomfortable and other women state that it is a pain-free exam. Either way, this exam is very important and should be a part of a woman's health plan. Even if it is a bit uncomfortable, this small amount of pain COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE.There are several tips that you can use to make this experience more comfortable for you. 

Diagnosing Breast Cancer Tools

Diagnosing Breast Cancer:
Know YOUR tools!

mayo clinic

Once it has been established that additional imaging and tests are required for further evaluating a breast problem (ie. Breast lump, nipple discharge, skin changes, an abnormal mammogram) a diagnostic test should be performed. Most of the time, these tests are done at specialized breast imaging facilities. Often times, diagnosing breast cancer is a very detailed process. Make sure you choose a breast imaging facility that is right for you.

Results from these diagnostic tests will give you the answers you are looking for! After all, the only thing worse than discovering you have breast cancer is having breast cancer and never knowing.

Which Diagnosing Tool is right for YOU?

There are many diagnostic tools that can be used in diagnosing breast cancer as well as other benign breast conditions. Each tool is used to different types of problems and symptoms. Your doctor will know which is right for you.

Diagnostic Mammography

What is it? A diagnostic mammogram is a set of special, additional mammograms pictures that a radiologist may require before making a confirming a decision about your breast. It is one of the most common tools that are used in diagnosing breast cancer. Such images may include magnified pictures for small areas in the breast or angled pictures to add another dimension to another mammogram.

How is it performed? A mammographer will take a set of pictures (ranging from 1 pictures to many pictures) that the radiologist needs. The use of stickers during a diagnostic mammogram are common. These stickers may be placed over a lump, a scar or an area of pain. This will mark this area on the mammogram for the radiologist. Slight discomfort during the mammogram is a possibility, however, compression during a diagnostic mammogram typically does not last long.

Who benefits from it? Almost all women with any breast problems benefit from diagnostic mammograms. For this reason, diagnostic mammograms are one of the most common breast cancer diagnosis tools. If the radiologist is unable to make a complete diagnosis from the diagnostic mammogram, another diagnosing tool should be performed.

Breast Ultrasound (Sonography)

What is it? Ultrasound is a type of imaging that uses high-frequency sound waves. It is a very common tool that is used in diagnosing breast cancer. As these sound waves bounce off of the breast tissue, they are converted into images on a computer monitor. These images can help to further diagnose a breast problem.

How is it performed? Ultrasound on a breast is performed very similarly to ultrasound done on other locations of the body. The ultrasound technologist applies a gel (hopefully warm) on the skin of the breast. The technologist uses the ultrasound transducer to slide on the surface of the breast to the are of interest. Several images and even movie clips of the ultrasound will be given to the radiologist to read.

Who benefits from it? Not all breast conditions and symptoms benefit from breast ultrasound. Patient with lumps, pain and sometimes abnormal mammograms will gain benefit from breast ultrasound.

Breast MRI

What is it? Magnetic Resonance imaging (MRI) uses a very powerful magnet to obtain extremely detailed pictures of your breast. These images are read alongside your mammogram. Breast MRI is an expensive tool that can be used in diagnosing breast cancer.

How is it performed? Typically a contrast agent is injected into your hand or arm with the use of an iv. You lay on a table with your stomach facing down and your breasts are placed in a device that is specially designed for breast MRI. The table slides into a donut-shaped machine. The exam is typically very loud and takes about 45 minutes.

Who benefits from it? Not all women benefit from diagnostic MRI imaging. If you have the very dense breast tissue, a positive breast biopsy or breast implants, you may benefit from this procedure. In order for insurance to cover a Breast MRI, certain criteria must be met. Speak to your doctor to see if you would benefit from Breast MRI.

Breast Aspiration

What is it? A breast aspiration is an invasive method of determining if a breast mass is a solid or a simply just fluid-filled. Breast aspirations may also be used to therapeutically treat painful breast cysts. (LINK)

How is it performed? The radiologist will typically use breast ultrasound while performing a breast aspiration. The radiologist will typically use a local anesthetic to numb the skin surface. While closely watching the ultrasound monitor, the doctor will slide the needle into the mass of interest. Once in place, the radiologist will pull back on the syringe that is attached to the needle. It is obvious that this area is a fluid-filled mass if fluid appears in the syringe. However, if no fluid appears in the syringe and the doctor is still concerned with mass, a biopsy may then be needed. The entire process of a breast aspiration usually takes less than 10 minutes.

Who benefits from it? Patients with fibrocystic breasts and patients with questionable cystic areas in their breasts benefit greatly from breast aspirations.

To learn more about breast aspirations.

Breast Biopsy

What is it? Breast Biopsy is a procedure where breast tissue is sampled and sent to the pathology department for a definitive diagnosis.

How is it performed? A radiologist typically does the breast biopsy with the use of mammography or ultrasound. The area is first numbed with a local anesthetic. After the area is numb, the doctor uses biopsy device to remove actual pieces of breast tissue that make up the area of suspension. Approximately 3-10 samples are taken of this specific area. You doctor may or may not decided to insert a breast marker-clip in this area after the biopsy is completed. A breast biopsy takes about 15 minutes.

Who benefits from it? Any patient that has a breast mass that is questionable to the radiologist will benefit from a breast biopsy. Breast biopsies take the 'guess work' out of breast masses.

Galactogram (Ductogram)

Some breast masses that form in the milk ducts cause nipple discharge. A galactogram is often required to evaluate nipple discharge.

Still not convinced,,,,,, Want a 2nd opinion?

If you are still not convinced with your diagnosis, you can choose to have another facility evaluate your pathology results, your mammogram or all of your breast health information. 

Breast Cancer Causes: What are they?

"Breast Cancer Causes" have been a topic that many researchers are trying to discover. Although no actual cause has been proven, there are very few causes that can be confirmed. Breast cancer can happen to anyone even if you do not have any common risk factors of breast cancer. Studies have shown that there are several ways to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Causes- Cellular Mutations

All types of cancers begin at the cellular level. Cells are considered the building blocks that make up the tissues in our bodies. Tissues make up all of the organs in bodies such as the liver, brain, lungs, skin etc.

In normal situations, cells grow and divide to make up new cells. When a cell has reached the end of its life cycle, it is replaced by a newly formed cell.

In cancerous situations, new cells rapidly form at an abnormal rate and older cells do not die as they should. What you are let with is an out-of-control bundle of chaotic cells. This growth is now called a growth or tumor.

A tumor can form anywhere where there are cells....which is ANYWHERE within the body. These tumors can be benign or malignant. Benign tumors are confined and typically do not invade or spread into the surrounding tissues. On the other hand, malignant tumors have a more invasive component and branch out to or metastasize into surrounding tissues.

Causes of Breast Cancer Travel

A common location of breast cancer metastasis is to nearby lymph nodes. Because lymph nodes serve as the drainage network of the breast, breast malignancies typically use the lymph nodes to aid in their travel to other parts of the body. Once in the lymph system, the breast cancer cells are given the rights to go to countless locations throughout the body. For this reason, when breast cancer is treated surgically, lymph nodes will be sampled during surgery to see if there is any involvement. The most common areas of breast cancer metastasis are lung, brain, and liver. (Interesting Fact: Lung cancer that is diagnosed as a metastasis from the breast is still considered breast cancer.)

Genetic Causes of Breast Cancer

Genetically speaking, some women may be more likely to develop breast cancer than others. A simple genetic test can be performed to see what your likelihood is. 

Environmental Causes of Breast Cancer

Is has been questioned that many causes of breast cancer can be linked back to the environment.

The Most Common Breast Cancer Symptoms

Breast Lumps Out of all of the breast cancer symptoms, mind-bogging the one that is most commonly heard of is a breast lump. Not all breast cancers present themselves in this fashion, but you should know how to find a lump in your breast.

Breast Self-exams (BSE) should be a very important part of a woman's heath routine. It is recommended that every woman over the age of 20 perform her BSE on a monthly basis, preferably not when her breast is tender or swollen from her menstrual periods. By doing this each month, she will have a good understanding of what your breast should feel like. If there are any subtle changes, you will know. Women with normal-lumpy breasts typically feel that this is very intimidating because there are 'too many lumps to keep track of'. It may be helpful to keep a picture journal of your breast lumps if you find this mind-boggling. To learn the proper method to perform a BSE, click here.

Clinical Breast Exams (CBE) are performed by health care professionals. As a general rule, CBEs are recommended for all women over the age of 20. The clinician will analyze your breast for any lumps, skin changes, size, shape, and color. The axillary area should also be examined, as this is where the lymph nodes are located. Any abnormal findings during a CBE should be followed up with additional testing. Speak to your doctor if you have any questions about CBEs.

All breast lumps feel differently. Typically, non-cancerous lumps feel mobile and can slide slightly between your fingers. Also, pain may or may not be present in benign lumps. Another common feature of a benign breast lump is a decrease in size change such as in a breast cyst.

Cancerous lumps typically feel very fixed or non-mobile. These lumps may or may not have pain associated with them, however, most of the time they are not painful. Cancerous lumps as a general rule do not noticeably decrease in size, but rather increase in size at various rates.

If you notice a lump in your breast- NEVER ASSUME! Notify your doctor immediately.

Nipple Discharge Nipples serve as an exit for the ductal system in the breast. Nipple discharge can be a normal process in a woman's breast; however, some nipple discharge can also be a sign of breast cancer or other breast problems.

Nipple discharge can present itself as many different colors. Such colors include: clear, white, red, pink, brown, blue and green. Nipple discharge may be spontaneous and express on its own or it may only appear if the nipple is squeezed. It may come out of many ducts or it may just come out of one.

Generally, nipple discharge is a benign condition. However, if you have any nipple discharge it is important to notify your doctor because it is a sometimes a breast cancer symptom. Be sure to include any specifics of your discharge.

Breast Pain Breast pain is typically not a breast cancer symptom. In fact, most patients with Breast Cancer state that their breast never hurts.

Pain that does occur with breast cancer usually is constant and never lessens. It hurts in one specific and localized spot and does not hurt in the entire breast.

Axially pain can also be a possible symptom of lymph node aggravation. Lymph nodes can become tender and swollen for several reasons, one of them being breast cancer.

Breast pain, as recently stated, is typically not presented as a symptom of breast cancer. However, if can cause much discomfort and annoyance to a woman. Change in Breast Appearance As a general rule, a woman's breasts should look very similar and symmetrical to one other. Worrisome features of a visual inspection of your breasts should include:

• A rash or reddening of the skin
• Nipple changes
These changes include a 'scaly' or 'crusty' surface of the nipple. An Inversion or a 'sinking-in' effect should also be looked for.
• Swelling
This can include one specific area of swelling or swelling of the entire breast.
• Skin Texture
A texture that looks like the surface of an orange peel is a classic sign of a breast problem. Because this is a very serious breast cancer symptom, notify your doctor immediately if you have this appearance on your breast.

An Abnormal Screening Mammogram Screening mammograms are used as yearly tools to evaluate the entire breast. Many breast cancers can form in the breast without any symptoms. For this reason, screening mammograms can often catch breast cancer at its earliest and most curable stage.

A radiologist will read your screening mammogram and you will be notified if there are any areas of suspicion. Further evaluation, such as a diagnostic mammogram or breast ultrasound will be needed to determine if this finding on your mammogram is indeed worrisome.

The Most Popular Types of Breast Cancer

It is very important that you know the various types of breast cancer and that you understand your specific disease. By understanding what is going on inside of your body, you are better able to feel like you have an active role in your road to recovery. A breast biopsy is the best method to define the type of cancer.

The following are the most common types of Breast Cancer:

Types of Breast Cancer that are
Non-Invasive:

Noninvasive cancers are confined to a particular duct or lobule.

Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)

What is Ductal Carcinoma In Situ? DCIS is an area of abnormal cells within the lining of the duct. These cells are contained and are not invasive (They may become invasive if untreated.).

Symptoms of Ductal Carcinoma In Situ: Typically DCIS is found on mammograms. It may appear as a breast mass or as a group of microcalcifications.

Facts about Ductal Carcinoma In Situ: DCIS has an extremely high cure rate it treated while it is still contained within the duct. If not treated, DCIS may continue to grow and leak out into the surrounding breast tissue. Having DCIS does increase your risk of developing another type of breast cancer during your lifetime.

Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS)

What is Lobular Carcinoma In Situ? LCIS is an area of abnormal cells that are found within the milk lobule. These cells are well contained and are not invasive.

Symptoms of Lobular Carcinoma In Situ: LCIS is usually found on a mammogram and typically does not have any associated symptoms. On a mammogram, LCIS may appear as microcalcifications or as a vague mass.

Facts about Lobular Carcinoma In Situ: The cure rate for LCIS is very high it treated quickly. If treatment is not given, LCIS may become invasive cancer.

Types of Breast Cancer that are
Invasive:

Invasive Breast cancers are one of the types of breast cancer that are not confined to particular areas in the breast such as within a lobule or duct. These cancers are aggressive and tend to spread to other areas of the body.

Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)

What is Invasive Ductal Carcinoma? IDC is a group of cancerous cells that are not confined to a particular duct. They have broken out of the duct and are spreading into the surrounding tissues. From here, they can also travel to the lymph nodes, blood stream and to other parts of the body. The most common places for travel are the lungs, liver or bones. Early detection and treatment are key to your recovery.

Symptoms of Invasive Ductal Carcinoma: IDC may appear as a breast lump. This lump may feel very fixed and not movable. However, some forms of IDC are not palpable. On a mammogram, IDC may show up as a spiculated or irregular mass. It may or may not have microcalcifications associated with it.

Facts about Invasive Ductal Carcinoma: Of all of the types of breast cancer, IDC is the most common. If caught early, IDC is a treatable form of breast cancer.

Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)

What is Invasive Lobular Carcinoma? ILC is a group of cancerous cells that are not confined to a particular milk lobule. They have broken out of the lobule and are spreading into the surrounding tissues. From here, they can also travel to the lymph nodes, blood stream and to other parts of the body. The most common places for travel are the lungs, liver or bones. Early detection and treatment are key to your recovery.

Symptoms of Invasive Lobular Carcinoma: ILC may appear as a breast lump. This lump may feel very fixed and not movable. However, some forms of ILC are not palpable. On a mammogram, ILC may show up as a spiculated or irregular mass. It may or may not have microcalcifications associated with it.

Facts about Invasive Lobular Carcinoma: ILC is less common that IDC. If caught early, ILC is a treatable form of breast cancer.

Other Types of Breast Cancers:

Inflammatory Breast Cancer

What is Inflammatory Breast Cancer? Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer. It strikes quickly and must be treated quickly to prevent rapid invasion into other parts of the body.

Symptoms of Inflammatory Breast Cancer: Inflammatory breast cancer often causes the breast to appear as red, pink or have the appearance of a rash. The skin may appear to have an appearance of an orange peel or have welts and ridges. The breast typically swells and looks larger that the other, unaffected breast. Overall pain throughout the entire breast is also a symptom. Nipple discharge and underarm tenderness may also be present.

Facts about Inflammatory Breast Cancer: The breast becomes inflamed with Inflammatory breast cancer because the cancerous cells block the lymphatic vessels in the skin of the breast. This causes a 'back-up' of the lymphatic fluid; resulting in breast pain and swelling. This appearance can mistake and confused with a breast infection. If these symptoms are not relieved with a round of antibiotics, a breast biopsy should be considered to rule out inflammatory breast cancer.

Paget's Disease

What is Paget's Disease? Paget's disease is rare cancer that begins in the milk ducts of the nipple. It is a slow growing cancer and generally has a very subtle appearance.

Symptoms of Paget's Disease: Symptoms of Paget's disease are very subtle and often go untreated for several months. Paget's disease generally starts out as what appears to be a sore on the tip of the nipple that does not heal. As time goes on, it starts to get a 'crusty' appearance. It also may appear red, produce drainage, and may itch or burn.

Facts about Paget's Disease: Because Paget's disease does not produce a 'breast lump', most women do not get concerned with nipple changes. Paget's disease is primarily first diagnosed clinically based on the appearance of the nipple rather than with the use of a mammogram. If you doctor is concerned that you may have Paget's disease, he or she will probably still prefer to definitively diagnose this is the disease with the use of a nipple biopsy.

Mucinous Carcinoma (Sometimes referred to as Colloid Carcinoma).

What is Mucinous Carcinoma? Mucinous Carcinoma is a rare form of breast cancer. It is formed when cancerous cells in your breast produce a mucous. This results in a tumor that has the texture of jelly. Symptoms of Mucinous Carcinoma: Because of the jelly texture inside of the lump, it may be difficult to feel a mucinous carcinoma tumor in your breast. These tumors are usually first detected on a mammogram as a suspicious and irregular mass. Ultrasound can sometimes be used for further evaluation, however, some mucinous carcinomas blend in very well within the normal breast tissue and can be difficult to see with ultrasound.

Facts about Mucinous Carcinoma: Compared to the other types of breast cancer, Mucinous carcinomas of the breast are very rare. They are also sometimes difficult to clearly diagnose. A complete and thorough workup with the use of mammogram, breast ultrasound, and physical breast examinations are usually the best methods for detection.

Staging Breast Cancer:

Breast Cancer staging is a methodology that your doctor may use to numerically explain your disease. It is often used in most types of breast cancer. To learn more about what Breast Cancer Staging is and why it is important to you.

Treatment Options for Breast Cancer

There are many treatment options for breast cancer. Your doctor will study your pathology report closely and Taylor your treatment options accordingly. These factors must be taken into consideration when planning your treatment:

• The size of your tumor
• Knowledge of any lymph node involvement
• The stage of your tumor
• The location of your tumor
• Aggressiveness of your specific form of breast cancer
• YOUR level of comfort in treating YOUR breast cancer

Once all of these factors have been heavily considered, you and your doctor will design your customized treatment plan. It is important to learn more about all of the available treatment options.

Breast Surgery

Breast surgery is one of the most common treatment options. It is almost always a necessary requirement for the removal of the breast cancer. There are several types of breast cancer surgeries. They are:

• Breast Lumpectomy
• Simple Mastectomy
• Radical Mastectomy

Click here to learn more about the specifics about Surgery options for breast cancer

Checking for Metastasis

It is very important for your doctor to know if your breast cancer has spread to other tissues in your body. To check for metastasis, your doctor will need to test your nearby lymph nodes. Click here to learn more about Lymph Node Testing

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the use of cancer-fighting medications that are used to kill cancer cells. Not all types of Breast Cancer require the use of Chemotherapy, however, most do. It is a very common treatment option that most cancers require.

Chemotherapy is a field that is always changing and becoming more effective in treating breast cancer. Although it is greatly improved from the 'old days' it is still considered a drug with many possible side effects.

Some side effects of Chemotherapy are:

• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Muscle Cramps
• Hair Loss
• Numbness or pain in the hands or feet
• Menopausal Symptoms

Click here to learn about ways to overcome Chemotherapy symptoms

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is the use of high-energy beams of radiation to kill cancerous cells. This is a very common form of treatment for those women who choose to have breast conservation surgery. Radiation therapy is sometimes used before a woman has surgery to remove her breast cancer. The purpose of pre-surgery radiation therapy is to shrink the tumor and kill the cancerous cells in the tumor to allow for easier and less risky surgeries. This is typically done with larger tumors which may be difficult to remove.

There are two types of Radiation therapy: Internal and External

Internal Radiation Therapy: This is administered with the use of small radioactive implants. These can be put into the cancerous area of the breast by the use of special devices. These implants stay in place for several days. This does require the woman to be in the hospital during her treatment. After the treatment is complete, the implants are removed.

External Radiation Therapy: This type of treatment is done in a specialized radiation therapy department. The radiation is emitted from a specialized machine and is systematically given only in the cancerous area of the breast. Typically external treatments options last for several days each week for several weeks in a row.

Side effects of Radiation Therapy include:

• Skin changes similar to that of a bad sunburn
• Heaviness and tightness of the breast
• Fatigue
• Weeping and oozing of the breast tissue

Typically most of these side effects go away when radiation is no longer being used. Click here to learn more about methods to treat your symptoms from radiation therapy.

Surgical Reconstruction with Breast Cancer

After all, treatment is complete, you are now able to make a decision about your surgical reconstruction options. Not every patient feels the need for reconstruction of her breast and that is perfectly acceptable.

If you are interested in the options for Surgical Reconstruction of your breast.

Clinical Trials

Some patients have the desire to take part in a clinical trial. By choosing to participate in clinical trials, you may be able to get additional treatment options for your breast cancer.

If you are interested in participating in a clinical trial, click here to learn more.

What is Breast Cancer Genetics Meaning?

A Quick 'Crash Course'

To understand the role of Genetics in Breast Cancer, you first must understand what they really are. Consider a gene as a blueprint for your body. Most these come in pairs. You get one from your mother and one from your father. They determine everything about your body, including your hair color and your height.

Sometimes there are 'flukes' or mistakes in this blueprint. These are called mutations. Most of the time, these mutations are very small and do not cause problems in your body.

As families grow, all of their information including mutations are passed down from the parents to the children. Some alterations can increase the risk of developing breast cancer.

There are two genes that when altered or mutated can be linked with the incidence of breast cancer. These are Breast Cancer Gene 1(BRCA 1) and Breast Cancer Gene 2 (BRCA2). These are found in both men and women and can be passed down from either the mother or father.

If a woman does have a BRCA1 or BRCA 2 mutation, it does not mean that the woman will have a 100% chance of developing breast cancer. It just means that she will be at a higher risk that a woman without one of these mutations.

Who should have their Genetics Tested?

Testing of your genes should only be done it your doctor thinks you may be at a high risk of developing breast cancer.

The results from the test can be life-changing. If your test results show that you do have a BRCA1 or BRCA 2 mutation, you may be encouraged by your doctor to:

• Start a preventive medication such as Tamoxifen.
• Have a preventive mastectomy, or removal of all breast tissue
• Have a preventive oophorectomy or removal of both ovaries

Other information about Genetics:

Here is some more information relating to breast cancer and genes:

• Most breast cancers are not linked to an inherited mutations. Only about 1 in 10 can be linked to these inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations.
• You never inherit breast cancer, but rather just inherit the increased risk for developing it.
• The testing of your genes does not tell you if you have cancer or it you will definitely get breast cancer. It merely tells you if you are at increased risk for developing it
• If you have Jewish ancestors that came from Eastern or Central Europe, you have an automatically increased risk for having an inherited mutation that increases your risk for Breast Cancer. Be sure to notify your doctor about your family history.
• Most women with breast cancer have no family history of the disease.