Imaging Methods in Breast Cancer allow for an easy diagnosis of breast cancer. One in every eight women experiences breast cancer, and 33% of women detect the cancer themselves. It is important to closely monitor symptoms in the breast. When signs such as swelling, pain, indentation on the skin of the breast, redness, nipple discharge, or a lump felt under the armpit are noticed, immediate consultation with a doctor is necessary. After using the necessary imaging methods, it can be determined whether there is a tumor.
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What Are the Imaging Methods in Breast Cancer?
The imaging methods in breast cancer most commonly used are mammography and ultrasonography. Mammography refers to the imaging of breast tissue using X-rays. Every woman over the age of 40 should have a mammography test once every two years. If this test is performed regularly, intervention can be done before a tumor progresses too much, leading to high recovery rates.
What is Ultrasonography?
Ultrasonography is the preferred first imaging method for examining breast diseases in women under 40 years old. For women over 40, it is used when mammography is insufficient. Needle biopsies are also performed under ultrasonography. This method uses sound waves to obtain images.
What is Mammography?
Mammography is used in breast cancer for screening purposes. It is also used for detecting suspicious masses. When there is nipple discharge, it helps identify the location of intraductal formations, and when axillary metastasis is found, it helps locate lesions that cannot be found in the breast. Additionally, mammography is used in post-surgical follow-up. For patients with multiple nodules in both breasts, mammography is used to ensure that breast cancer is not overlooked.
What is Breast MRI?
Breast magnetic resonance imaging is a radiological imaging method used to examine the breast. It is used in cases where there is a high risk of breast cancer, and in families with a history of breast cancer or those carrying the BRCA mutation. In patients with newly diagnosed cancer, if axillary metastasis is present but the primary tumor is unknown, MRI is used to investigate the tumor. MRI is also used in neoadjuvant treatment follow-up, pre-surgical staging, evaluation of surgical margins, and post-surgical follow-up after breast-conserving surgery.
What is PET-CT?
PET-CT is used initially for staging in breast cancer. PET-CT is effectively used for full-body tumor and metastasis screening. It is also used to assess the effectiveness of neoadjuvant therapy in breast cancer patients. However, it is not used for breast evaluation or screening purposes.
What is a Breast Biopsy?
A breast biopsy provides a definitive diagnosis. Masses detected through examination and imaging are studied through biopsy. The types of breast biopsy are as follows:
- Fine needle aspiration biopsy
- Core needle biopsy
- Surgical biopsy
- Vacuum-assisted biopsy
What is Tru-cut Biopsy?
The Tru-cut biopsy method is performed using thick special needles. In this method, breast tissue is obtained using a biopsy gun. The needle thickness is approximately 3-4 mm. After a piece of tissue is taken, it is sent for examination. This method is most commonly used to make an accurate diagnosis.
What is Vacuum Biopsy?
Vacuum biopsy is a method applied to suspicious masses seen in mammography. This method allows for the examination of small masses. The vacuum biopsy is performed on a special table, which contains an X-ray tube. The patient lies face down, and films are taken of the suspicious area. These films help determine the location of the suspicious area in three dimensions. Local anesthesia is applied to the patient. The needle is placed in the location determined by the computer. With vacuum suction, the suspicious area is pulled toward the needle. This method allows for samples to be taken from the surrounding tissue, making it a more accurate diagnostic procedure.
