The Many Ways To Detect Breast Cancer
When your family medicine doctor says it's time for a breast cancer screening, there are a number of tests used to find and analyze a breast tumor. Each test gives a level of information that, together, tell your doctor what the tumor really is and how quickly it should be treated. Here is a rundown of the tests your doctor may order for you and what kind of information they provide your doctor.
MRI - Magnetic Resonance Imaging
This test uses electromagnetic energy to generate an image through your body. It is useful for observing your internal organs and other soft tissues. When used to detect breast tumors, it will help your doctor see how the tumor is connected to the other tissues around it. It shows how dense the tumor is, which helps them determine if this is a malignant or benign tumor.
CT Scan - Computed Tomography
You'll often hear this test referred to as a CAT scan. It is also used to evaluate changes in the soft tissue in the breast. X-rays are sent through the tissues and captured on the other side by a computer. The computer then assembles a picture of the tissue that is clearer than relying on ordinary x-rays. This test can show slight inflammation of the breast tissue, which can be a sign of infection or pre-cancerous cells.
Ultrasound
This uses high-frequency sound to create an image of the breast tissue and any tumors present. The sounds are sent through the tissue and analyzed by a computer. The result is an image that helps your doctor distinguish between a swollen gland and a pre-cancerous lump. The ultrasound test can tell your doctor if a lump is fluid-filled, and likely benign, or solid and cancerous.
Mammogram
This is a simple x-ray of the breast tissue. Tumors in the breast show up as tiny shadows in the x-ray picture. But one advantage of a mammogram is that it will show lumps that are too difficult to detect by manual examination. Some facilities offer a digital mammogram, which employs a computer to analyze and sharpen the x-ray images produced.
Biopsy
Taking a small sample of the contents of a tumor is the definitive way to determine what type of cells the tumor is made of. Before surgery is recommended, a needle biopsy will be done to verify the doctor's suspicions. A small area of the breast will be numbed and a needle inserted into the breast and the tumor. Cells will be drawn out of the tumor and sent to a lab for analysis.
For more information, contact an office such as Better Family Care Practice.
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