Investigations

Question 1

Screening mammographies (offered free of charge by BreastScreen Australia) are available to women between what ages?

Answer 1

50 -74

Question 2

How often are screening mammographies performed?

Answer 2

Every 2 years between ages 50-74.

Question 3

What is the typical mammography finding in DCIS?

Answer 3

Microcalcifications

Question 4

What is a sentinel lymph node biopsy?

Answer 4

A sampling of the lymph nodes which drain the breast.

Question 5

What happens during a sentinel node biopsy?

Answer 5

A dye/tracer is injected into the breast skin or parenchyma. The dye flows to nearby lymph nodes.

Sentinel lymph nodes are then identified as those first receiving drainage from the tumor by the presence of tracer and removed.

Question 6

What is the difference between a diagnostic and screening mammography?

Answer 6

The views obtained in a diagnostic mammogram are tailored to evaluate a specific area, unlike in a screening mammogram.

Question 7

What is the difference between GRADING and STAGING?

Answer 7

GRADING = how abnormal the cells look under a microscope. More abnormalities will result in a higher grade. They are more important in prognostic value.

STAGING = correlating important tumour characteristics with survival data to help estimate and follow outcomes. Used for prognosis and management.

Question 8

List 3 types of biopsy procedures

Answer 8

• Core needle biopsy
• Fine needle aspiration
• Open biopsy