Benign papillary neoplasms of the breast: mammographic findings

Article Abstract:

Breast papillary (nipple) tumors may be cancerous or benign and may occur as a single or multiple tumors. There are some indications that women who have multiple benign peripheral papillomas are at an increased risk for breast cancer. This study examined the characteristics of these tumors as seen by mammography, an X-ray technique for imaging the breast. Mammograms from 77 patients who had biopsy-diagnosed benign papillomas were assessed. Clinical and pathological data for these patients were also reviewed. Single tumors were found in 51 patients (66 percent). Clinical symptoms in these patients included single duct nipple discharge in 36 patients, no clinical symptoms in 14 patients, and a palpable mass in one patient. In the 14 patients who had no clinical symptoms, mammographic abnormalities prompted biopsy examination. Of the 36 patients with discharge, mammograms were normal for 34, but ductograms, X-rays of the ducts leading to the nipple, were abnormal for 32 patients. For 14 patients, biopsy results showed multiple peripheral papillomas. There were no clinical symptoms in 11 of these patients. Mammographic abnormalities were seen in 13 of the patients, and multiple central papillomas were diagnosed in 12. Nipple discharge was present in one patient. While mammographic results were normal for the 12 patients, all had abnormal ductograms. Lobular cancer in situ was found in two patients who had multiple peripheral tumors, but not in any other patients, suggesting that such tumors are indicative of an increased risk for cancer. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Risk factors, Breast cancer, Tumors, Breast tumors

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Asymmetric breast tissue

Article Abstract:

Asymmetric breast tissue, demonstrated on mammographic images, may not be an indication of cancer. Prior to the study, the existence of an asymmetric breast mass was believed to justify biopsy (removal of a small piece of living tissue for examination). Research was conducted to prove or disprove the necessity for breast biopsy in women with asymmetric breast tissue. More than 8,000 mammograms were reviewed, of which 220 showed asymmetric breast tissue. Follow-up mammographic studies were conducted for patients whose mammograms showed asymmetric breast tissue over a period of 36 to 42 months. During that time none of the patients underwent biopsy on the basis of the original mammographic finding of asymmetric tissue. Twenty patients did undergo biopsy, however, on the basis of other clinical signs suggestive of breast cancer. Cancer was found in three of these 20, but breast cancer was not found among the remaining 200 patients. Researchers conclude that asymmetric breast tissue, exclusive of any other abnormalities suggestive of cancer (e.g., small calcified sections, distortions in the appearance of the breast, masses of tissue), is not justification for biopsy.

Evaluation, Measurement, Radiography, Medical, Medical radiography, Fibrocystic breast disease

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Subtle gastric abnormalities in a canine model: detection with low-dose imaging with storage phosphors and its equivalence to conventional radiography

Article Abstract:

Digital projection radiography (DPR), a type of radiography which uses computerized imaging instead of conventional film or screen imaging was used on dogs to detect subtle gastric abnormalities. Images were acquired and compared to images produced through the use of standard x-ray technology. The findings concluded that the use of this new equipment in conjunction with radioactive air-contrast barium were equivalent to standard x-ray techniques in the detection of gastric abnormalities. Although the results of the study are not considered conclusive proof that digital projection radiography is the best means of diagnosing the gastrointestinal tract, the researchers concluded that the initial success of the experiment warrants further consideration. An added benefit to DPR is that it uses lower doses of radioactive substances than standard x-ray imaging techniques. The digital format of the image will allow the information to be stored, communicated, displayed, manipulated, and transmitted through a computer network. This will make digital radiographic images available to a greater number of physicians and researchers in a hospital.

Research, Computers, Digital computers, Gastrointestinal system, Radiography

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