Breast screening includes the medical screening of a healthy woman for breast cancer to make an earlier diagnosis. Several tests are carried out for the purpose that may be:
In clinical breast exam (CBE), the breast is felt for any lump or abnormal shape or growth. This was mostly done by a health expert, but now it is controversial in terms of usefulness and a definite diagnosis. So it is not recommended any more due to its ambiguity and unclear results.
Ultrasound
Medical ultrasonography is an imaging technique is used to see any lump or tumor in the breast. Sound waves with a frequency above the normal human audible range are used ranging from 2 and 18 MHz. Since the results are clear and almost definite; this test is widely used to detect the presence of any abnormalities in the breast. Ultrasound is also used in pregnancy and other tests.
Genetic screening
This test just reveals if there is a chance or a tendency of developing a cancer in an individual. It does not detect any type of cancer. It is however, a convenient way to know whether the person can have cancer later on. So precaution before hand is made possible. Women with a family history of breast cancer should have this examination.
Mammography
This is a commonly used screening method as is available all over developing countries and is much faster. It is a kind of X-ray radiography that is used on the breasts. It is mainly of two types:
Breast MRI
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) helps detect those cancers that remain invisible through mammograms. The main advantage of an MRI test is it diagnoses the cancer with a very high level of certainty. But is has been found to be less specific than mammography.
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- Clinical and self breast examination
- Ultrasound
- Genetic screening
- Mammography
- MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging)
In clinical breast exam (CBE), the breast is felt for any lump or abnormal shape or growth. This was mostly done by a health expert, but now it is controversial in terms of usefulness and a definite diagnosis. So it is not recommended any more due to its ambiguity and unclear results.
Ultrasound
Medical ultrasonography is an imaging technique is used to see any lump or tumor in the breast. Sound waves with a frequency above the normal human audible range are used ranging from 2 and 18 MHz. Since the results are clear and almost definite; this test is widely used to detect the presence of any abnormalities in the breast. Ultrasound is also used in pregnancy and other tests.
Genetic screening
This test just reveals if there is a chance or a tendency of developing a cancer in an individual. It does not detect any type of cancer. It is however, a convenient way to know whether the person can have cancer later on. So precaution before hand is made possible. Women with a family history of breast cancer should have this examination.
Mammography
This is a commonly used screening method as is available all over developing countries and is much faster. It is a kind of X-ray radiography that is used on the breasts. It is mainly of two types:
- Diagnostic mammography: To help make an early diagnosis in woman who is experiencing the symptoms
- Screening mammography: The medical screening of a healthy woman to prevent is in advance.
Breast MRI
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) helps detect those cancers that remain invisible through mammograms. The main advantage of an MRI test is it diagnoses the cancer with a very high level of certainty. But is has been found to be less specific than mammography.
Related Stories:
