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Beyond Mammograms: Other Breast Cancer Screening Tests You Should Know About
Published: Jun 19, 2024
While mammograms are the most common breast cancer screening test, they're not the only option. Let's explore other screening methods that can complement or, in some cases, replace traditional mammograms.
Breast MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of breast tissue. It's particularly useful for women at high risk of breast cancer, such as those with BRCA gene mutations. MRI can detect small tumors that mammograms might miss, especially in dense breast tissue. However, it's more expensive and may lead to more false positives than mammograms.
Breast Ultrasound
Ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of breast tissue. It's often used as a follow-up to mammograms when an abnormality is detected. Ultrasound is particularly good at distinguishing between solid masses and fluid-filled cysts. It's also useful for women with dense breast tissue, where mammograms may be less effective. However, ultrasound can miss some cancers that mammograms would detect.
Clinical Breast Exam
A clinical breast exam (CBE) is a physical examination of the breast by a healthcare professional. The examiner looks for visual changes and feels for lumps or other abnormalities. While not as sensitive as imaging tests, CBE can detect some cancers that imaging might miss. It's also an opportunity for women to learn about proper breast self-examination techniques.
Emerging Technologies
New screening technologies are constantly being developed. Molecular breast imaging (MBI) uses a radioactive tracer to highlight cancer cells. Thermography uses infrared cameras to detect heat patterns that might indicate cancer. While promising, these methods are still considered experimental and are not widely used for routine screening.
Frequently Asked Questions
For most women, they complement rather than replace mammograms.
Coverage varies; check with your provider.
Frequency depends on your personal risk factors.
Most are not painful, though some may cause discomfort.
The best test depends on your individual circumstances.
The Bottom Line
While mammograms remain the gold standard, other screening methods can provide valuable additional information for certain women.
References
- American Cancer Society. Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/screening-tests-and-early-detection/american-cancer-society-recommendations-for-the-early-detection-of-breast-cancer.html
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Breast Cancer Screening and Diagnosis. 2020.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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