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There are several new procedures/examinations being studied now to diagnose
breast cancer earlier including ductoscopy and digital mammography. These
examinations are not available everywhere and are primarily considered
investigational at this point. It is hoped that the studies underway will prove
that these tests will diagnose breast cancer earlier, thus making the
possibility of a cure greater.
Fiberoptic ductoscopy looks for abnormal cells in the milk duct system of the
breast. The milk ducts are where most breast cancers begin. Fiberoptic
ductoscopy uses a very tiny camera and video monitor to look inside the milk
ducts. The doctor cannot only look at the ductal system but can also remove
cells from the ducts for lab tests.
Ductoscopy takes about 40 minutes in the doctor's office. The patient is given
an anesthetic and most experience little or no pain.
The advantage of ductoscopy is that the doctor can remove lesions without making
an incision, thus there is less chance of tissue damage. Most researchers also
feel that the results of ductoscopy are more accurate than traditional biopsy,
because the cells are directly from the milk ducts.
Digital mammography differs from regular mammography because the pictures taken
of the breast can be stored electronically, rather than placed on x-ray film.
From the patient's view, the position, the pressure of the plates and how the
machine looks are all nearly the same as the standard mammography machine.
In digital mammography, the digital system converts x-rays into electronic
signals--very similar to a digital camera. The electronic signals are used to
make pictures that can be viewed on a computer screen or printed onto special
film.
The proposed advantage of digital mammograms is that fewer patients may need to
be called back for more pictures. This is because the images can be enhanced by
the computer. The doctor can zoom in and magnify various areas of the breast,
thereby reducing the need for more x-rays. If problems should arise, the
mammogram can be sent to another site for review by other physicians.
Mammograms are recommended yearly for women age 40 or older. For women in this
same age group, annual clinical breast exams by a health care professional are
also useful for the early detection of breast cancer. For women younger than 40,
clinical breast exams should be performed every three years, unless the woman is
at high risk for developing breast cancer.
The risk factors for breast cancer are:
* Increasing age
* Family history of breast cancer in mother, sister or daughter
* History of large doses of radiation before the age of 30
* History of non-cancerous or precancerous conditions such as atypical
hyperplasia or lobular carcinoma in situ
Source :
http://www.vh.org/adult/patient/cancercenter/cancertips/breastcancertools.html