Imaging of the breast Flashcards
What are the different imaging types for the breast
Mammography
Tomosynthesis
Breast ultrasound
Breast MRI
Mammography
Definition
Radiographic examination of breast tissue for detection of tumours/othe pathology
Mammogram
Definition
Radiographic image of the breast produced by mammography
Screening mammography
Definition
For patients who have no breast symptoms or signs of breast cancer
Asymptomatic females - age 40
High risk patients - age 30
Diagnostic mammography
Definition
For a patient with a breast complaint or an abnormal area found on a screening mammogram.
What are the two mammographic views
Craniocaudal (CC)
Medio-lateral oblique (MLO)
What is a tomosynthesis and what does it allow for
3D mammography - takes multiple images of entire breast, allows radiologists to see through layers of tissue
Allows for:
- Earlier detection
- Greater accuracy
- Fewer unnecessary biopsies
- Clearer images of breast tissue
Explain a lexicon
Global breast density/composition
Mass
Architectural distortion
Assymmetric density
Calcifications
Why are calcifications important on imaging
30-50% of non-palpable breast cancers present as groups of microcalcifications
Malignant calcifications: Small 0.2-2mm
Benign calcifications: Larger 2mm
What are other signs of malignancy besides calcifications
Skin thickening
Nipple retraction
Axillary lymph nodes
What are other signs of malignancy besides calcifications
Skin thickening
Nipple retraction
Axillary lymph nodes
BI-RADS grades
0 - Recall for further analysis
1- Negative
2 - Benign
3- Probably benign
4 a-c - Suspicious abnormality, biopsy required
5 - Highly suspicious, biopsy required >95%
6 - Biopsy proven breast carcinoma
Why are Breast MRI’s used
Detect multifocal and mulicentric breast cancer
Scar vs recurrent cancer
Screen high risk patients
Exam breast with implants
Examin dense breasts
Assess chest wall invasion
