Breast Imaging Flashcards
What are the 3 main hormones that produce hormones
Oestrogen.
Progesterone
Prolactin
Modalities used for breast assessment
Mammography
Digital breast Tomosynthesis
Ultrasound
MRI
Nuclear Medicine
Difference between screening mammography and symptomatic mammography
Screening program invites asymptomatic women (50-70yrs)
Symptomatic mammography evaluates or excludes any abnormalities identified
Why is selecting the correct kVp Important
Low energy beam is easily absorbed
- High Contrast
High energy beam penetrates more body easily
- Low Contrast
What are the main views used for mammography
Medio-Lateral Oblique (MLO)
Cranio-Caudal (CC)
Medio-lateral image evaluation criteria
Pictorial muscle to nipple
Nipple in profile
Infra-mammary fold visible
Breast in centre of Imaging area
Why is compression used
Immobilises the patient
Reduces dose and scatter by reducing thickness
Improve image interpretation by spreading out tissue
What is the TOMMY trial
Comparison of Tomosynthesis with digital mammography
Why 50-70yr olds?
Higher risk with increasing age
Pre menopausal breast tissue is dense making images more difficult to interpret
Post menopausal is less dense making it easier to identify abnormalities
Indicators of a benign pathology
Round and smooth
Not micro-lobulated
Not showing rapid growth
Macro calcification
Radical scarring (drawn in pinching)
Why is ultrasound used to image the breast
Can tell the difference between a benign cyst and a possibly malignant solid tissue
What are the indications for a malignant pathology
Poorly defines masses
Rapid growth
Micro-calcification
Asymmetry/distortion
Why is MRI used
Implant rupture
Recurrence
Response to chemo
Lobular cancers
What is the sentinel node
First node to receive lymph drainage from the breast
If it is free of tumour cells then it is assumed the disease has not spread
