Breast imaging Flashcards
What must we remove in BRCA gene?
Breast AND ovaries
What are predisposing factors for breast cancer
- family history (genetics)
- hormonal treatment
- previous breast surgeries, malignancies
3 imaging modalities used in breast imaging
- Mammography
- US
- MRI (see occult tumors AFTER US or mammo, not as a first screening choice)
Changes to breast tissue during life
Breast tissue is very dependant on hormone levels. In young women, the tissue will be mostly glandular - but after 40 years old, it will be mostly fatty tissue
What are CT and PET-CT good for in breast imaging?
To detect metastasis, to do staging of the cancer, to check out lymph nodes
Why is there a higher risk of getting to the point of a carcinoma in dense breasts ?
Because it’s harder to detect lesions in mammography in dense breasts
How can we know if MLO photo?
Because we can see the pectoralis muscle
What are the 2 mammography views?
MLO (mediolateral oblique) and CC (craniocaudal)
What is BIRADS ?
A system of classification of breast tissue composition - from A to D
What is the Tabar classification?
A hungarian classification of breast tissue classification - from T1 to T5
What are the physical examination signs of breast cancer?
- Asymmetric density
- Microcalcification
- Architectural distortion
Where are most of the breast cancers located?
Upper outer quadrant - 50%
What are 3 physical signs of malignancy in breast cancer?
Which are the most / least worrisome calcifications in breast cancer?
- Macrocalcification is almost always benign
- Clustered polymorph calcifications are the most alarming ones
What are examples of benign calcifications?
- Popcorn (fibroadenoma)
- Eggshell / oil cyst
What are some alarming calcification types?
