Breast Imaging

Question 1

what ribs does the breast overlie

Answer 1

2nd-6th

Question 2

when is imaging indicated

Answer 2

Symptomatic:
lumps 
unilateral/ blood stained discharge 
skin dimpling 
signs of inflammation 
axillary lumps 

screening

Question 3

is imaging indicated for pain?

Answer 3

NO!!

Question 4

1st line imaging modality for woman <40 with a lump

Answer 4

USS

Question 5

1st line imaging modality for woman >40 with a lump

Answer 5

mammogram

Question 6

why is mammogram sensitivity reduced in young women

Answer 6

there is increased glandular tissue (denser breasts)

Question 7

why is USS useful

Answer 7

distinguishes between solid + cystic lesions

Question 8

how effective is mammogram screening

Answer 8

sensitivity of 90%
detects most impalpable cancers
reliably visualises micro calcifications

Question 9

does fat have high or low density on mammogram

Answer 9

low (less white shows up on mammogram)

Question 10

does glandular tissue have high or low density on mammogram

Answer 10

high (lots of white)

Question 11

organisation of suspicious micro calcifications

Answer 11

cluster

Question 12

are diffuse calcifications worrying?

Answer 12

no
likely to be benign
cluster is more suspicious of malignancy

Question 13

how is breast cancer staged

Answer 13

MRI