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amooremd
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| Communities: Breast Cancer | Thank You's: 4 |
| Member Since: Aug. 2011 | Questions: 1 |
| Answers: 19 |
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Professional Statement
Ann Moore, MD is a diagnostic radiologist with 30 years experience. She did her residency at Overlook Hospital and a fellowship in Nuclear Medicine at NYU Medical Center. She opened the Radiology Center at Harding in January, 1997. Dr. Moore is certified by the American Board of Radiology with special competence in Nuclear Medicine.
Prior to opening the Radiology Center, Dr. Moore spent 15 years on the staff of the Hospital Center at Orange, where she served as chief of the department of radiology from 1990-1995. After leaving the Hospital Center to start her own business, Dr. Moore served on its Board of Trustees until it was acquired by Cathedral Healthcare.
Medical Imaging continues to give us new and ever changing opportunities to improve patients' health and well being.
Prior to opening the Radiology Center, Dr. Moore spent 15 years on the staff of the Hospital Center at Orange, where she served as chief of the department of radiology from 1990-1995. After leaving the Hospital Center to start her own business, Dr. Moore served on its Board of Trustees until it was acquired by Cathedral Healthcare.
Medical Imaging continues to give us new and ever changing opportunities to improve patients' health and well being.
Professional Info
Credential:
MD
Primary specialty:
Radiology
State Licenses:
New Jersey
Languages:
English, Spanish
Gender: Female
Medical school:
Autonomous University of Guadalajara
Residency:
Overlook Hospital
Internship:
Overlook Hospital
Board certifications:
American Bd of Radiology with Special Competence in Nuclear Medicine
Professional memberships:
ACR, RSNJ, RSNA
Areas of expertise:
Mammography, CT colonography, Ultrasonography
Hospital affiliation:
East Orange General Hospital
Practice name:
Radiology Center at Harding
Practice address:
1201 Mt. Kemble Avenue
Harding, New Jersey
07960
Practice phone number:
908.221.0603
Webpage:
www.radcenter.net
Twitter
http://twitter.com/amooremd
amooremd Activities
A woman who has had bilateral mastectomies with negative nodes, assuming she is younger than age 75 and otherwise healthy, will probably have chemotherapy, depending on hormone receptors, etc, so she will be followed by her medical oncologist, as well as her breast surgeon. Initially women are seen every 3 months, and then later maybe every 4-6 months. I had a mastectomy in 2004 and because I am an imaging person I do CT scans on myself every year. But my oncologist does blood work more frequently than once a year, like 3 times, and they check tumor markers every time. Tumor markers are a good way to evaluate if a tumor is active or recurring. Decisions to perform CT, MRI or PET scanning are made on an individual basis, in my experience. There are so many variables. These decisions might also depend on the area that a person lives. Is there a very strong imaging department? Is it a tertiary care center with interns and residents, and is there a lot of research?
A woman who has had bilateral mastectomies with negative nodes, assuming she is younger than age 75 and otherwise healthy, will probably have chemotherapy, depending on hormone receptors, etc, so she will be followed by her medical oncologist, as well as her breast surgeon. Initially women are seen every 3 months, and then later maybe every 4-6 months. I had a mastectomy in 2004 and because I am an imaging person I do CT scans on myself every year. But my oncologist does blood work more frequently than once a year, like 3 times, and they check tumor markers every time. Tumor markers are a good way to evaluate if a tumor is active or recurring. Decisions to perform CT, MRI or PET scanning are made on an individual basis, in my experience. There are so many variables. These decisions might also depend on the area that a person lives. Is there a very strong imaging department? Is it a tertiary care center with interns and residents, and is there a lot of research?
New answer by amooremd (Physician - Radiology (Verified)) in topic(s) Breast Cancer Tests, Cancer Treatment Process, Bilateral Mastectomy, Breast Cancer Treatment Process, Mastectomy, Breast Cancer Process, Cancer Tests
2
Answers |
1 month ago
Ultrasound's strength is that it can see the inside of something. It looks at the breast from the front to the back, whereas a mammogram superimposes everything from the front of the breast to the back. Ultrasound can see if something is solid, or fluid-filled, or somewhere in between. It can measure without any distortion (X-ray images are magnified). Also, if a woman feels a lump, or her doctor feels a lump, we can place the ultrasound probe directly on the lump and see what is under the probe.
The disadvantage of ultrasound is that if something is not 100% fluid-filled, but not definitely solid, these structures are more problematic. We know that over time cysts can get debris within them and then they are not 100% cystic. We call them complex, but we don't want to call something a complex cyst if it is something solid. We don't want to under diagnose, and we try to not biopsy needlessly either. Ultrasound's strength is that it can see the inside of something. It looks at the breast from the front to the back, whereas a mammogram superimposes everything from the front of the breast to the back. Ultrasound can see if something is solid, or fluid-filled, or somewhere in between. It can measure without any distortion (X-ray images are magnified). Also, if a woman feels a lump, or her doctor feels a lump, we can place the ultrasound probe directly on the lump and see what is under the probe.
The disadvantage of ultrasound is that if something is not 100% fluid-filled, but not definitely solid, these structures are more problematic. We know that over time cysts can get debris within them and then they are not 100% cystic. We call them complex, but we don't want to call something a complex cyst if it is something solid. We don't want to under diagnose, and we try to not biopsy needlessly either.
The disadvantage of ultrasound is that if something is not 100% fluid-filled, but not definitely solid, these structures are more problematic. We know that over time cysts can get debris within them and then they are not 100% cystic. We call them complex, but we don't want to call something a complex cyst if it is something solid. We don't want to under diagnose, and we try to not biopsy needlessly either. Ultrasound's strength is that it can see the inside of something. It looks at the breast from the front to the back, whereas a mammogram superimposes everything from the front of the breast to the back. Ultrasound can see if something is solid, or fluid-filled, or somewhere in between. It can measure without any distortion (X-ray images are magnified). Also, if a woman feels a lump, or her doctor feels a lump, we can place the ultrasound probe directly on the lump and see what is under the probe.
The disadvantage of ultrasound is that if something is not 100% fluid-filled, but not definitely solid, these structures are more problematic. We know that over time cysts can get debris within them and then they are not 100% cystic. We call them complex, but we don't want to call something a complex cyst if it is something solid. We don't want to under diagnose, and we try to not biopsy needlessly either.
New answer by amooremd (Physician - Radiology (Verified))
1
Answer |
1 month ago
Calcifications are very common in the breast. When we see calcifications on a mammogram, it is important to characterise them as large or small, clustered, grouped, or solitary, and regular or smooth looking, versus irregular in appearance. Although nothing in Medicine is 100% and there are exceptions to every rule, benign calcifications are usually large, smooth and either single or several. Sometimes if we aren't sure about calcifications we will perform magnification views that will enlarge the area in question and also spread out the tissue to make it easier to see the calcifications. It is also important to look at the previous mammograms to see if they were there before. Benign, large calcifications tend to look the same year after year. If the patient has never had a mammogram before, or if they were not there last year but they look totally benign, you might recommend six month followup. This is done if we are as sure as we can be that the findings are benign but because there is a change we are being extra cautious. The American College of Radiology came up with the 6 month interval because they felt that any sooner would not be enough time to see a change, and any longer would be too long.
If the calcifications look irregular, small and clustered then we recommend a biopsy of the area. Sometimes we will also perform ultrasound to see if we can identify a small mass in the area in question. Calcifications are very common in the breast. When we see calcifications on a mammogram, it is important to characterise them as large or small, clustered, grouped, or solitary, and regular or smooth looking, versus irregular in appearance. Although nothing in Medicine is 100% and there are exceptions to every rule, benign calcifications are usually large, smooth and either single or several. Sometimes if we aren't sure about calcifications we will perform magnification views that will enlarge the area in question and also spread out the tissue to make it easier to see the calcifications. It is also important to look at the previous mammograms to see if they were there before. Benign, large calcifications tend to look the same year after year. If the patient has never had a mammogram before, or if they were not there last year but they look totally benign, you might recommend six month followup. This is done if we are as sure as we can be that the findings are benign but because there is a change we are being extra cautious. The American College of Radiology came up with the 6 month interval because they felt that any sooner would not be enough time to see a change, and any longer would be too long.
If the calcifications look irregular, small and clustered then we recommend a biopsy of the area. Sometimes we will also perform ultrasound to see if we can identify a small mass in the area in question.
If the calcifications look irregular, small and clustered then we recommend a biopsy of the area. Sometimes we will also perform ultrasound to see if we can identify a small mass in the area in question. Calcifications are very common in the breast. When we see calcifications on a mammogram, it is important to characterise them as large or small, clustered, grouped, or solitary, and regular or smooth looking, versus irregular in appearance. Although nothing in Medicine is 100% and there are exceptions to every rule, benign calcifications are usually large, smooth and either single or several. Sometimes if we aren't sure about calcifications we will perform magnification views that will enlarge the area in question and also spread out the tissue to make it easier to see the calcifications. It is also important to look at the previous mammograms to see if they were there before. Benign, large calcifications tend to look the same year after year. If the patient has never had a mammogram before, or if they were not there last year but they look totally benign, you might recommend six month followup. This is done if we are as sure as we can be that the findings are benign but because there is a change we are being extra cautious. The American College of Radiology came up with the 6 month interval because they felt that any sooner would not be enough time to see a change, and any longer would be too long.
If the calcifications look irregular, small and clustered then we recommend a biopsy of the area. Sometimes we will also perform ultrasound to see if we can identify a small mass in the area in question.
New answer by amooremd (Physician - Radiology (Verified))
1
Answer |
1 month ago
A "nodule" is really an imaging term that describes a small round thing that can be seen on a mammogram and doesn't blend in with the rest of the picture. Most nodules are really benign things, like cysts, fibroadenomas, or small lymph nodes that sometimes live in the breast. Occasionally a "nodule" can turn out to be just breast tissue superimposed on itself. This becomes evident when you perform extra pictures or do an ultrasound of that area. Fibroadenomas are benign solid tumors that can arise in the breast, and cysts are benign fluid filled structures that can arise in the breast. When we see a nodule we do other mammogram films called "spot" films, that compress the area in question. Sometimes it disappears when we do those pictures, proving the density was caused by superimposed breast tissue. Sometimes we will also perform ultrasound to look at the area in question.
A "nodule" is really an imaging term that describes a small round thing that can be seen on a mammogram and doesn't blend in with the rest of the picture. Most nodules are really benign things, like cysts, fibroadenomas, or small lymph nodes that sometimes live in the breast. Occasionally a "nodule" can turn out to be just breast tissue superimposed on itself. This becomes evident when you perform extra pictures or do an ultrasound of that area. Fibroadenomas are benign solid tumors that can arise in the breast, and cysts are benign fluid filled structures that can arise in the breast. When we see a nodule we do other mammogram films called "spot" films, that compress the area in question. Sometimes it disappears when we do those pictures, proving the density was caused by superimposed breast tissue. Sometimes we will also perform ultrasound to look at the area in question.
New answer by amooremd (Physician - Radiology (Verified))
1
Answer |
1 month ago
Recommendations for breast cancer survivors who have had lumpectomy include yearly mammogram and I find that more and more women are having annual ultrasound exam as well. Occasionally women insist on having breast ultrasound every 6 months but I think that is more for their peace of mind. Again, since there is no radiation and no real disadvantage to ultrasound physicians are willing to do it in the interest of calming the patient's apprehension. If the person has a strong family history as well than MRI might be recommended either annually or every 2 years.
Recommendations for breast cancer survivors who have had lumpectomy include yearly mammogram and I find that more and more women are having annual ultrasound exam as well. Occasionally women insist on having breast ultrasound every 6 months but I think that is more for their peace of mind. Again, since there is no radiation and no real disadvantage to ultrasound physicians are willing to do it in the interest of calming the patient's apprehension. If the person has a strong family history as well than MRI might be recommended either annually or every 2 years.
New answer by amooremd (Physician - Radiology (Verified))
1
Answer |
1 month ago
There are really no firm breast cancer screening recommendations for patients who have had bilateral mastectomies, because there is no breast tissue remaining. In theory you could perform ultrasonography of the axillae (armpit areas) to look for lymph nodes, but there isn't really much else. Some people might recommend MRI but it would depend on the clinical scenario, family history, etc.
There are really no firm breast cancer screening recommendations for patients who have had bilateral mastectomies, because there is no breast tissue remaining. In theory you could perform ultrasonography of the axillae (armpit areas) to look for lymph nodes, but there isn't really much else. Some people might recommend MRI but it would depend on the clinical scenario, family history, etc.
New answer by amooremd (Physician - Radiology (Verified))
1
Answer |
1 month ago
I am not familiar with any specific recommendations for patients who have had nipple sparing mastectomy. But I feel that ultrasound is noninvasive and easy to do. It isn't even that expensive. I feel there is no down-side to doing ultrasound.
I am not familiar with any specific recommendations for patients who have had nipple sparing mastectomy. But I feel that ultrasound is noninvasive and easy to do. It isn't even that expensive. I feel there is no down-side to doing ultrasound.
New answer by amooremd (Physician - Radiology (Verified))
1
Answer |
1 month ago
In order to receive reimbursement for mammograms,all mammography facilities must be ACR (American College of Radiology) certified and FDA approved. In order to receive those certifications the facility must agree to perform screening mammography on self-referred patients. This means that mammograms are the only imaging studies that can be done without a prescription. So a patient under the age of 40 could make an appointment and have a mammogram without a doctor's script. We request that our patients have the report sent to a doctor, even if they are self-referred, because we want to be sure that they are appropriately followed.
Depending on insurance coverage the patient may have to pay for it herself. Mammography is not really that expensive, and we always discount our patients who self-pay by at least 50%. In order to receive reimbursement for mammograms,all mammography facilities must be ACR (American College of Radiology) certified and FDA approved. In order to receive those certifications the facility must agree to perform screening mammography on self-referred patients. This means that mammograms are the only imaging studies that can be done without a prescription. So a patient under the age of 40 could make an appointment and have a mammogram without a doctor's script. We request that our patients have the report sent to a doctor, even if they are self-referred, because we want to be sure that they are appropriately followed.
Depending on insurance coverage the patient may have to pay for it herself. Mammography is not really that expensive, and we always discount our patients who self-pay by at least 50%.
Depending on insurance coverage the patient may have to pay for it herself. Mammography is not really that expensive, and we always discount our patients who self-pay by at least 50%. In order to receive reimbursement for mammograms,all mammography facilities must be ACR (American College of Radiology) certified and FDA approved. In order to receive those certifications the facility must agree to perform screening mammography on self-referred patients. This means that mammograms are the only imaging studies that can be done without a prescription. So a patient under the age of 40 could make an appointment and have a mammogram without a doctor's script. We request that our patients have the report sent to a doctor, even if they are self-referred, because we want to be sure that they are appropriately followed.
Depending on insurance coverage the patient may have to pay for it herself. Mammography is not really that expensive, and we always discount our patients who self-pay by at least 50%.
New answer by amooremd (Physician - Radiology (Verified))
2
Answers |
2 months ago
Calcifications are very commonly seen in the breast. More than 50% of all mammograms performed have calcifications. The vast majority of them are related to benign or "normal" things. Surgery is one of the things that can produce calcifications. According to a recent Medscape article "high quality mammography is the best diagnostic tool for the identification of breast calcifications." When we interpret mammograms we characterize calcifications in terms of their their shape, number, distribution and size. We then categorize them as normal, benign, probably benign, or suspicious. Suspicious calcifications are biopsied, even though there is no palpable lump, or breast pain, or any other findings.
In one study 300 biopsies were performed on suspicious calcifications and only 100 of them were cancers. So even those that look suspicious are not always related to cancer.
MRI of the breast is a very sensitive test that is not always specific. If you have a lump that is palpable, or is seen on mammography or ultrasound, MRI may help. It can also find unsuspected small lesions as part of preoperative planning. MRI is not good at looking at calcification. Could MRI show you something really small that is in the area of the calcifications that is not seen on other tests? Possibly, but if the calcifications are in the area of the surgery MRI might be abnormal anyway, and more difficult to interpret.
Every case is different and every medical decision is made in the context of that patient's personal and family history, physical findings,and all imaging results. Patients are best served when they have a doctor who listens to them and whom they trust. Decisions are then made together. Unfortunately medicine is not an exact science, and our knowledge is still incomplete, in spite of the advances we have made.
Calcifications are very commonly seen in the breast. More than 50% of all mammograms performed have calcifications. The vast majority of them are related to benign or "normal" things. Surgery is one of the things that can produce calcifications. According to a recent Medscape article "high quality mammography is the best diagnostic tool for the identification of breast calcifications." When we interpret mammograms we characterize calcifications in terms of their their shape, number, distribution and size. We then categorize them as normal, benign, probably benign, or suspicious. Suspicious calcifications are biopsied, even though there is no palpable lump, or breast pain, or any other findings.
In one study 300 biopsies were performed on suspicious calcifications and only 100 of them were cancers. So even those that look suspicious are not always related to cancer.
MRI of the breast is a very sensitive test that is not always specific. If you have a lump that is palpable, or is seen on mammography or ultrasound, MRI may help. It can also find unsuspected small lesions as part of preoperative planning. MRI is not good at looking at calcification. Could MRI show you something really small that is in the area of the calcifications that is not seen on other tests? Possibly, but if the calcifications are in the area of the surgery MRI might be abnormal anyway, and more difficult to interpret.
Every case is different and every medical decision is made in the context of that patient's personal and family history, physical findings,and all imaging results. Patients are best served when they have a doctor who listens to them and whom they trust. Decisions are then made together. Unfortunately medicine is not an exact science, and our knowledge is still incomplete, in spite of the advances we have made.
In one study 300 biopsies were performed on suspicious calcifications and only 100 of them were cancers. So even those that look suspicious are not always related to cancer.
MRI of the breast is a very sensitive test that is not always specific. If you have a lump that is palpable, or is seen on mammography or ultrasound, MRI may help. It can also find unsuspected small lesions as part of preoperative planning. MRI is not good at looking at calcification. Could MRI show you something really small that is in the area of the calcifications that is not seen on other tests? Possibly, but if the calcifications are in the area of the surgery MRI might be abnormal anyway, and more difficult to interpret.
Every case is different and every medical decision is made in the context of that patient's personal and family history, physical findings,and all imaging results. Patients are best served when they have a doctor who listens to them and whom they trust. Decisions are then made together. Unfortunately medicine is not an exact science, and our knowledge is still incomplete, in spite of the advances we have made.
Calcifications are very commonly seen in the breast. More than 50% of all mammograms performed have calcifications. The vast majority of them are related to benign or "normal" things. Surgery is one of the things that can produce calcifications. According to a recent Medscape article "high quality mammography is the best diagnostic tool for the identification of breast calcifications." When we interpret mammograms we characterize calcifications in terms of their their shape, number, distribution and size. We then categorize them as normal, benign, probably benign, or suspicious. Suspicious calcifications are biopsied, even though there is no palpable lump, or breast pain, or any other findings.
In one study 300 biopsies were performed on suspicious calcifications and only 100 of them were cancers. So even those that look suspicious are not always related to cancer.
MRI of the breast is a very sensitive test that is not always specific. If you have a lump that is palpable, or is seen on mammography or ultrasound, MRI may help. It can also find unsuspected small lesions as part of preoperative planning. MRI is not good at looking at calcification. Could MRI show you something really small that is in the area of the calcifications that is not seen on other tests? Possibly, but if the calcifications are in the area of the surgery MRI might be abnormal anyway, and more difficult to interpret.
Every case is different and every medical decision is made in the context of that patient's personal and family history, physical findings,and all imaging results. Patients are best served when they have a doctor who listens to them and whom they trust. Decisions are then made together. Unfortunately medicine is not an exact science, and our knowledge is still incomplete, in spite of the advances we have made.
New answer by amooremd (Physician - Radiology (Verified)) in topic(s) Calcifications, Breast Cancer Screening, PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography), Breast Calcifications, Breast Cancer Risk, Mammogram, Breast Imaging
5
Answers |
2 months ago
amooremd (Physician - Radiology (Verified)) asked the question in topic(s) Radiation Therapy, Brachytherapy, Intracavitary Brachytherapy, Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation (APBI), Breast Cancer Radiation Therapy, Balloon Radiotherapy, Internal Radiation, Cancer Treatments
1
Answer |
2 months ago
Very often, which is why we decided to tell the patients ourselves..
As usual, Dr. Attai you have a great answer. Question: How do we get other states to get on board with legislation requiring the patient to be informed of her breast density? Would you know?
My gynecologist(s)- I've had a number NEVER told me that because I had dense breasts I should have further testing beyond a mammogram, and the ultrasound (my decision to get one) was what picked up the cancer, NOT the mammogram. Obviously this is upsetting because my cancer could have been picked up at stage 1 instead of stage 4. The difference between life and death, literallly.
My gynecologist(s)- I've had a number NEVER told me that because I had dense breasts I should have further testing beyond a mammogram, and the ultrasound (my decision to get one) was what picked up the cancer, NOT the mammogram. Obviously this is upsetting because my cancer could have been picked up at stage 1 instead of stage 4. The difference between life and death, literallly.
New answer by amooremd (Physician - Radiology (Verified)) in topic(s) Risk Factors, Breast Cancer Screening, Breast Cancer Risk Factors, OBGYN, Dense Breasts
4
Answers |
8 months ago
Breast density is something that we as radiologists are always aware of. We always mention in our mammography reports whether the breasts are very dense, moderately so, or not very dense. There are actually 4 categories. The problem is that the information is not always communicated to the patients. We are required by MQSA to provide every patient with the results of their mammogram in writing. Some folks mail these results while others, like myself, usually provide it to the patient when she has completed her exam. We are now attempting to include information about density in those results. Our mammography technologists will answer any questions that the patient may have, and frequently I will also speak with them myself. I don't really have an opinion about whether legislation is the way to handle this.
Breast density is something that we as radiologists are always aware of. We always mention in our mammography reports whether the breasts are very dense, moderately so, or not very dense. There are actually 4 categories. The problem is that the information is not always communicated to the patients. We are required by MQSA to provide every patient with the results of their mammogram in writing. Some folks mail these results while others, like myself, usually provide it to the patient when she has completed her exam. We are now attempting to include information about density in those results. Our mammography technologists will answer any questions that the patient may have, and frequently I will also speak with them myself. I don't really have an opinion about whether legislation is the way to handle this.
New answer by amooremd (Physician - Radiology (Verified)) in topic(s) Opinions, Dense Breasts, Radiology, Breast Density, Radiologist, Dense Breast Legislation
1
Answer |
8 months ago
Ultrasonography uses a sound beam, like the sonar of a submarine. The beam is generated by a transducer which is placed on the skin. The sound wave produces a signal every time it hits something, and the computer generates an image from all the returning signals. Ultrasound has been used in Radiology since the 1970's, and now that computers can be attached to just about everything we can produce even clearer images. For the breast we started using it to look at a lump that was felt either by the patient or her doctor. You could place the transducer on the skin at the spot where the lump is felt and you could see what was there. I diagnosed my own breast cancer this way, when I felt a lump.
We can also use ultrasound in the same way if we see something on a mammogram and we are not sure exactly what it is. As I mentioned in response to an earlier question, we now recommend it for women who have dense breast tissue. Ultrasonography uses a sound beam, like the sonar of a submarine. The beam is generated by a transducer which is placed on the skin. The sound wave produces a signal every time it hits something, and the computer generates an image from all the returning signals. Ultrasound has been used in Radiology since the 1970's, and now that computers can be attached to just about everything we can produce even clearer images. For the breast we started using it to look at a lump that was felt either by the patient or her doctor. You could place the transducer on the skin at the spot where the lump is felt and you could see what was there. I diagnosed my own breast cancer this way, when I felt a lump.
We can also use ultrasound in the same way if we see something on a mammogram and we are not sure exactly what it is. As I mentioned in response to an earlier question, we now recommend it for women who have dense breast tissue.
We can also use ultrasound in the same way if we see something on a mammogram and we are not sure exactly what it is. As I mentioned in response to an earlier question, we now recommend it for women who have dense breast tissue. Ultrasonography uses a sound beam, like the sonar of a submarine. The beam is generated by a transducer which is placed on the skin. The sound wave produces a signal every time it hits something, and the computer generates an image from all the returning signals. Ultrasound has been used in Radiology since the 1970's, and now that computers can be attached to just about everything we can produce even clearer images. For the breast we started using it to look at a lump that was felt either by the patient or her doctor. You could place the transducer on the skin at the spot where the lump is felt and you could see what was there. I diagnosed my own breast cancer this way, when I felt a lump.
We can also use ultrasound in the same way if we see something on a mammogram and we are not sure exactly what it is. As I mentioned in response to an earlier question, we now recommend it for women who have dense breast tissue.
New answer by amooremd (Physician - Radiology (Verified)) in topic(s) Ultrasound, Breast Cancer, Breast Ultrasound, Ultrasonography
1
Answer |
8 months ago
MRI is useful when someone is diagnosed with breast cancer. Before performing surgery we must confirm that there are no other lesions either in the same breast or the opposite breast. Sometimes tumors can be what we call "multifocal". MRI has been shown to be more sensitive than mammography for this purpose. Many people also recommend MRI for women who have a strong family history or who test positive for the gene. Several studies have shown MRI to be more sensitive than either mammography or ultrasound. It is not always specific however, so there will frequently be biopsies that are negative. MRI can be helpful as a "problem solver" when other tests have been inconclusive.
MRI is useful when someone is diagnosed with breast cancer. Before performing surgery we must confirm that there are no other lesions either in the same breast or the opposite breast. Sometimes tumors can be what we call "multifocal". MRI has been shown to be more sensitive than mammography for this purpose. Many people also recommend MRI for women who have a strong family history or who test positive for the gene. Several studies have shown MRI to be more sensitive than either mammography or ultrasound. It is not always specific however, so there will frequently be biopsies that are negative. MRI can be helpful as a "problem solver" when other tests have been inconclusive.
New answer by amooremd (Physician - Radiology (Verified)) in topic(s) Breast Cancer Screening, Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Breast Cancer, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
1
Answer |
8 months ago
In terms of screening I would recommend ultrasound if the tissue is very dense, with not much fat. I would also recommend it for patients who are moderately dense but have a strong family history or in whom we have difficulty adequately compressing their breast for mammography, either because of discomfort, or because the tissue is very thick.
In terms of screening I would recommend ultrasound if the tissue is very dense, with not much fat. I would also recommend it for patients who are moderately dense but have a strong family history or in whom we have difficulty adequately compressing their breast for mammography, either because of discomfort, or because the tissue is very thick.
New answer by amooremd (Physician - Radiology (Verified)) in topic(s) Ultrasound, Breast Cancer Screening, Breast Cancer
1
Answer |
8 months ago
Thermography is based on the concept that a highly metabolic structure like a tumor will generate more heat than normal tissue, and that we can image that. Over the past 25 years it has gone in and out of favor several times. I am not really knowledgeable about how prevalent its use is currently. I know of no one in my geographic area who is using it right now.
Thermography is based on the concept that a highly metabolic structure like a tumor will generate more heat than normal tissue, and that we can image that. Over the past 25 years it has gone in and out of favor several times. I am not really knowledgeable about how prevalent its use is currently. I know of no one in my geographic area who is using it right now.
New answer by amooremd (Physician - Radiology (Verified)) in topic(s) Breast Cancer Monitoring, Thermography, Breast Health
2
Answers |
8 months ago
If the patient's mother, sister, or mother's sister had breast cancer you should start annual screening mammography 10 years younger than they were when diagnosed. If mother was diagnosed at 37, start annual screening mammography at 27. Even before that, though, the patient should receive a clinical breast exam once a year by her physician. Breast self examination can also be very helpful for individuals who are not freaked out by it. I don't know what the "high risk" factors are in this individual, but I would usually recommend screening ultrasound annually as well. It could be scheduled 6 months after the clinical breast exam so that you are being checked more frequently.
If the patient's mother, sister, or mother's sister had breast cancer you should start annual screening mammography 10 years younger than they were when diagnosed. If mother was diagnosed at 37, start annual screening mammography at 27. Even before that, though, the patient should receive a clinical breast exam once a year by her physician. Breast self examination can also be very helpful for individuals who are not freaked out by it. I don't know what the "high risk" factors are in this individual, but I would usually recommend screening ultrasound annually as well. It could be scheduled 6 months after the clinical breast exam so that you are being checked more frequently.
New answer by amooremd (Physician - Radiology (Verified)) in topic(s) High Risk, Breast Cancer Screening, Breast Cancer High Risk, Breast Cancer Screening Recommendations, Screening Recommendations
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Answer |
8 months ago
In women who have very dense tissue I recommend that they have ultrasound of their breasts every year, as well as a mammogram. The two tests are complementary and give slightly different information. But the basic difference is that in mammography everything is compressed and therefore superimposed. With ultrasound the beam can show everything from the front of the breast to the back. In my experience most insurance companies reimburse something for breast ultrasound if the patient has dense breast tissue.
In women who have very dense tissue I recommend that they have ultrasound of their breasts every year, as well as a mammogram. The two tests are complementary and give slightly different information. But the basic difference is that in mammography everything is compressed and therefore superimposed. With ultrasound the beam can show everything from the front of the breast to the back. In my experience most insurance companies reimburse something for breast ultrasound if the patient has dense breast tissue.
New answer by amooremd (Physician - Radiology (Verified)) in topic(s) Dense Breast Tissue, Breast Cancer Screening, Dense Breast Screening, Breast Cancer, Dense Breasts
1
Answer |
8 months ago
We usually do not perform mammograms on patients who have had bilateral mastectomies with reconstruction. Since mammography requires that we compress the breast tissue there would be nothing to compress, as there is no breast tissue. We do not compress implants, even in patients who have them for cosmetic reasons.
We usually do not perform mammograms on patients who have had bilateral mastectomies with reconstruction. Since mammography requires that we compress the breast tissue there would be nothing to compress, as there is no breast tissue. We do not compress implants, even in patients who have them for cosmetic reasons.
New answer by amooremd (Physician - Radiology (Verified)) in topic(s) Breast Implants, Screening Mammogram, Bilateral Mastectomy, Breast Reconstruction, Implants, Mammogram, Mastectomy
1
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8 months ago
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