breast disease

Question 1

what are the three methods used in a triple assessment for breast cancer?

Answer 1

exam, imaging, needle biopsy

Question 2

when would a fine needle aspirate be used over a core biopsy?

Answer 2

where the lesion may be too small for core biopsy or if the 24 hours it would take to process the core biopsy would be an unacceptable delay

Question 3

what are the benefits of a core biopsy ?

Answer 3

o Differentiates in situ vs invasive – gives you the architecture
o Has fewer false +/-
o Allows correlation with the mammogram
o Visualises calcification – can perform an x-ray on the samples
o Allows diagnosis of borderline lesions
o Enables accurate planning of definitive surgery

Question 4

what is a fibroadenoma?
who do they affect?
how are they dealt with ?

Answer 4

a benign lesion of stroma and epithelium. Described as a discreet mobile lump normally.
Affect womena aged 20-30
usually monitored with ultrasound but biopsy can be sone and is sometimes advised if there is a degree of clinical suspicion.

Question 5

what is a phyllodes tumour?

Are they benign or malignant ?

Answer 5

fibroepithelial tumour composed of an epithelial and a cellular stromal component
can be either benign or malignant. Where they are malignant they are treated as a sarcoma with a margin being removed around them during any surgery.

Question 6

name some risk factors for developing breast cancer

Answer 6

age: 40-70
family history: first degree relative with pre-menopausal cancer, especially if it was bilateral.
hormone environment: early menopause, not having children and HRT all increase risk. Breast feeding is protective