Everything About Breast Cancer

Stereoscopic digital mammography, a new diagnostic technique capable of producing three-dimensional, in-depth views of breast tissue, could significantly reduce the number of women who are recalled for additional tests following routine screening mammography. Results of a clinical trial being conducted at Emory University Breast Clinic in Atlanta were presented Thursday at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).

Stereoscopic digital mammography consists of two digital x-ray images of the breast acquired from two different points of view separated by about eight degrees. When the images are viewed on a stereo display workstation, the radiologist is able to see the internal structure of the breast in three dimensions. In the ongoing clinical trial, researchers use a full-field digital mammography unit modified to take stereo pairs of images. The workstation enables the mammographer to fuse the stereo image pair and to view the breast in depth.

In the study, stereo mammography reduced false positives by 49%. This huge drop in percentage has strong implications with regard to needless cost in time and money.

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The same gene which may hold the key to life, causing cells to divide and multiply is responsible for the progression of cancer. This is the result of research from the Northwestern University who have found the said protein going mad, inducing abnormally fast cell division. Scientists who found the existence of high levels of the said protein in cancer cells have successfully reduced the ability of these afflicted cells to divide by removing it form the cells, effectively controlling the disease. Genes and proteins interact to dictate the way cells divide and can even turn into cancer cells. (more…)

Elastography is an imaging technology that examines the mechanical properties of materials, in this case breast tissue which tends to have an altered state when afflicted by breast cancer. The lumps you feel out of place when you do a home exam may be proof oh having the disease but without a professional to verify it, it’s still a hunch. Ultrasound has been the norm of the screening process for years and it relies on the different ways tissue reacts to ultrasound waves that is interpreted and displayed as images on the screen. The technology uses sound to diagnose and verify the elasticity of tissue, an abnormality would reflect as an area of unusual density. The tests conducted to far by researchers on the said new screening tool has been at an impressive 100% with only less than 90% success rate for ultrasound scans. (more…)

Recent studies show that women who have breast cancer increases the likelihood of a sister to get the disease even after 20 years of that sibling being diagnosed. This heightens the need for regular check-ups which would allow proper diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications. Breast cancer is a treatable disease with early detection as key. Advents with newer digital scanning technology have increased the speed of detection and has greatly increased the ability of treatment in many women. For women who have had relatives with breast cancer, no worry for your likelihood of contracting the deadly disease is highly unlikely yet not impossible. Vaccines and other preventive measures have been in effect for many years now and has been impacting the lives of many afflicted women. Just hope a better treatment would be found to increase the chances of preventing recurrence of the cancer which in many cases does indeed return.

Breast cancer is benefiting from some of the latest research into the mechanisms of the disease and one such breakthroughs that is set to make a difference is the isolation of a signal gene. Researchers have found that it is the presence or absence of this specific gene that can tell weather the breast cancer spreads or maintains its inert state as a mere lump. It has also been found that all humans have a cell or two of cancerous categorization and the many factors that makes it blow off into a full blown disease is also being studied.
On the other hand, imaging scientists are trying to develop faster screening technology that assesses the density of tissue obtained from a biopsy getting the results faster making treatment possible as soon as possible.

image source:www.cancerinfo.ws

Here are some crucial information about the disease that usually triggers a woman. A woman’s risk for developing breast cancer increases as she ages but breast cancer rarely strikes a woman in her 20’s. According to studies, less than five percent of all breast cancer cases occur in women under 40. It usually hits after menopause; nearly 80 percent of cases are in woman over 50. Sometimes, gynecologist don’t always take symptoms seriously because breast cancer is so common on younger women, the doctor may blow-off a lamp or other worrisome sign like bloody nipple discharge. Insist that she perform a clinical breast exam and a needle biopsy or ultrasound. It is also important to trace our family history since it puts younger women at risk. When a 20 to 30 something women develop the disease, they may have gene mutation. Ask your gynecologist about your risks of getting breast cancer so that it can help you to prevent it.

Mammography is proven to be one of the most effective ways of breast cancer detection. But some women are even getting MRIs to look for signs of cancer. So how do you know which test is best for you? A recent study sheds some new light on the issue.

According to Adele Lipari, D.O. at Ohio State University’s James Cancer Hospital, a mammogram is the basic test on which doctors build their diagnosis. Beyond this, he says there are two options – first, a digital mammogram. Not every woman needs one, but there are benefits.

“If you are a younger woman under the age of 50, or if you are a woman over 50 that has very dense breasts, you’re going to do much better with a digital mammogram,” says Lipari.That’s because the digital images are better and can pick up more subtle signs.

As for MRIs, Lipari says they are not necessary for the average woman. However, the study found if you’ve already had cancer or have a strong family history or known genetic link, then you will benefit from an MRI. MRI will detect approximately 15-28% more cancers than a regular mammogram will, but only in these types of patients.

Talking to your doctor is crucial to determine what type of screening you need. Be sure to tell your doctor about your family history and any concerns you might have. After age 40, women should get a mammogram every year.

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