Question 1

how does breast cancer appear like on a mammogram?

Accepted Answer

Density or Ca++: Mammograms will often detect  areas that are more dense than normal breast tissue or that have little flecks of calcium within milk ducts.  These may be categorized based on risk, with those that are deemed suspicious warranting a biopsy.  Of those abnormalities that are biopsy-worthy, about 15-30% end up being cancerous.

Question 2

i have a family history of breast cancer and would like to know when my mammograms should start?

Accepted Answer

Probably at 50.: Starting mammograms at 50 has been shown to save lives.  There has been debate to start at 40, but the fact that the disease does not show up much before 50, mammograms don't often detect cancer before 50, and that no clinical study has proven this to save lives if started at 40 has, so far, kept the age at 50.  Many still think 40 should be the starting point.

Question 3

can mammograms detect all types of breast cancer?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Yes, however, it depends on your breast density.  The more dense your breast tissue is, the increased possibility that a mass may not be seen.

Question 4

how do you check breast cancer other than mammogram?

Accepted Answer

See list: For diagnosis:

physical examination
ultrasound
breast mri
needle biopsy
excisional biopsy

for staging: 
pet/ct scan
sentinnel lymph node biopsy
lumpectomy
mastectomy
axillary node dissection

for follow-up: usually physical examination, and mammogram or mri.

Question 5

how can they detect breast cancer without a mammogram?

Accepted Answer

Other tests: A breast ultrasound (us) can be used but the ultimate way to make a diagnosis is to get a needle biopsy.  Mammograms are not usually done in women under 40 because of the dense breast tissue.  If you have a concern, i recommend you go to a breast center to see a breast surgeon or speak with your gynecologist.

Question 6

could a mammogram before 40 increase risk for breast cancer?

Accepted Answer

Good point.: Risk of radiation induced breast cancer is probably negligible, compared to benefits of mammography.  But you should undergo any test only when it is medically indicated, because every diagnostic test has its risks as well as benefits.

Question 7

is a mammogram the most effective way to detect breast cancer?

Accepted Answer

Mammogram: Mammogram is effective but, there are other procedures may give a better results such as mri.

Question 8

my mammogram was abnormal. what are the chances that i have breast cancer?

Accepted Answer

More than likely not: Abnormalities on mammograms are common.  A radiologist can examine the mammogram and decide whether additional testing is indicated such as an ultrasound or a biopsy.  You may also need a followup mammogram in a few months.  80% of the time, the finding on mammogram turns out to be benign.

Question 9

can men get mammograms and if not how do they know they have breast cancer?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Breast cancer in men is rare, but it happens.  Men over 60 are more likely to get breast cancer.  Because men have less breast tissue, they feel or see a lump. So men should feel their breasts regularly, especially older men. And yes, if there's a lump, men get a mammogram! but not screening mammograms...Only if there's a lump.

Question 10

when should young women go in for a mammogram done to detect for breast cancer?

Accepted Answer

Baseline age 35-40: There has been some debate on the utility of mammogram between age 40-50 however, the current recommendation is that  after your baseline mammogram, yearly mammograms start at age 40. If you have a 1 st degree relative with breast cancer at a young age, then your mammograms start 10 years prior to their age at diagnosis. You should discuss the timing your  with your doctor to decide what's best.

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Doctor answers about:

What does breast cancer look like on mammogram

A member asked:

How does breast cancer appear like on a mammogram?

A member asked:

I have a family history of breast cancer and would like to know when my mammograms should start?

A member asked:

Can mammograms detect all types of breast cancer?

A member asked:

How do you check breast cancer other than mammogram?

A member asked:

How can they detect breast cancer without a mammogram?

A member asked:

Could a mammogram before 40 increase risk for breast cancer?

A member asked:

Is a mammogram the most effective way to detect breast cancer?

A member asked:

My mammogram was abnormal. what are the chances that i have breast cancer?

A member asked:

Can men get mammograms and if not how do they know they have breast cancer?

A member asked:

When should young women go in for a mammogram done to detect for breast cancer?

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