Breast Care

Some of the known risk factors for breast cancer include:

• family or personal history of breast cancer
• early menstrual onset/late onset menopause
• use of oral contraceptives
• use of hormone replacement therapy
• alcohol use (2 or more drinks/day)

Breast compression may cause some discomfort for a brief time during each x-ray, but it should not be painful. Breast compression helps to obtain better x-rays by:

• Flattening the breast so that the maximum amount of tissue can be examined.
• Allowing a lower x-ray dose to be used, since the x-ray beams pass through a thinner amount of tissue
• Holding the breast in place to prevent blurring caused by motion.

If you have sensitive breasts, schedule your mammogram at a time of the month when your breasts will be less tender. In general, the week after a period is when breasts are less tender. 

Unlike other parts of the body, the breast is composed mainly of soft tissue. When breast tissue is x-rayed, it creates an image that looks something like a smoky haze, making it difficult to see tiny “spots,” called microcalcifications, and other subtle signs of early cancer.

With digital mammography, the radiologist reviews electronic images of the breast, using special highresolution monitors. The physician can adjust the brightness, change contrast, and zoom in for close ups of specific areas of interest. Being able to manipulate images is one of the main benefits of digital technology.

Another convenience of digital mammography over film-based systems is it can greatly reduce the need for retakes due to over or under exposure. This potentially saves additional time and reduces your exposure to x-rays.

Because they are electronic, digital mammography images can be transmitted quickly across a network. Digital images can also be easily stored, copied without any loss of information, and transmitted and received in a more streamlined manner, eliminating dependence on only one set of “original” films.

If your mammogram detects an abnormality, we can conduct a biopsy, which is where a small tissue sample is taken to determine if cancer is present. Though the majority of biopsies find no cancer, this minimally invasive procedure is the best way to be sure. Using advanced targeting and guidance technology, this procedure can be performed with pinpoint accuracy. It requires only a small incision and local anesthesia.

Resources

 Every woman’s experience with her breasts is similarly unique. While one person may have dramatic changes in the appearance and feel of her breasts over time related to menstrual cycle, pregnancy, birth control pills, age and weight changes, others may never be aware of symptoms. It helps to become comfortable with the appearance and feel of your own breasts so that you can be confident when there is a change you want to discuss with your doctor. If you feel a lump, don’t wait. Make the call.