Wk 11. Mammography intro Flashcards
What is breast cancer
A malignant, metastasising cancer of the mammary gland
What can happen in advanced breast cancer
Fungating cancer wounds (malignant wounds); cancer breaks through the skin to create a wound
Where is the most common place for breast cancer to arise?
in the terminal ductal lobular units (TDLUs)
What is in-situ breast cancer?
when abnormal cell growth does not spread
What is invasive breast cancer?
When cancer cells breach the basement membrane of the epithelial lining of the ducts
What is the average age of diagnosis of breast cancer in Aus.?
61
What are the risk factors for breast cancer
Personal factors
Fam history and genetics
Reproductive factors
Lifestyle factors
Medical history and medications
Environmental factors
What is the burden of disease like in Aus.
Cancer is estimated to be the leading cause of the burden of disease in Australia
What are the routine mammography views?
Craniocaudal (CC) and mediolateral oblique (MLO)
What are the two types of mammography in Aus?
Screening
Diagnostic
What is the aim of BreastScreen Aus.?
the early detection of breast cancer in its preclinical stage
who has access to screening mammography?
Asymptomatic:
- self-referred
- 50-74 years
Who has access to diagnostic mammography?
Symptomatic; referral from GP/specialist
What are 3 limitations of mammography?
Dense tissue may obscure cancer
Dense tissue limit interpretation
2D mammography may miss up to 30% of cancers
What is the risk of having dense breast tissue?
In women with extremely dense tissue, cancer is 4-6 times more likely
