Evaluation of a palpable breast mass

Article Abstract:

Women who find a lump, or mass, in their breast should undergo careful evaluation to rule out the possibility of breast cancer. Breast masses are areas of dense tissue that are asymmetrical with the other breast. Masses caused by breast cancer are firm with an indistinct border and with attachments to the skin. Other characteristics are tenderness, dimpling of the skin and a bloody discharge from the nipple. Noncancerous cysts are more likely to be mobile with distinct borders. Women below the age of 25 are less likely develop breast cancer than older women. A palpable breast mass should be aspirated with a needle to evaluate the cells. Women with a palpable breast mass should also undergo mammography to evaluate the mass, although it may sometimes be difficult to distinguish benign from cancerous masses using mammography. Most women with masses suspected of being cancer must undergo a biopsy for conclusive diagnosis.

Cysts, Fibrocystic breast disease

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Whither scientific deliberation in health policy recommendations? Alice in the Wonderland of breast-cancer screening

Article Abstract:

The debate over mammography for women in their 40s illustrates the dangers in using consensus development conferences to recommend health care policy. On January 23, 1997, such a conference convened by the National Cancer Institute stated that there was no clear evidence to support mammography in these women. Many scientists in the audience were outraged and accused the panel of fraud. The media and even Congress criticized the panel's recommendation. Recommendations for improving the process are described.

Standards, Conferences, meetings and seminars, Medical policy, Health policy

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Mammographic density and the risk and detection of breast cancer

Article Abstract:

Study examined the association between mammographic density in the baseline mammogram and the subsequent risk of breast cancer according to the method of cancer detection, time since the initiation of screening, and age. Results demonstrated that the mammographic density was strongly associated with the risk of breast cancer detected by screening or between screening tests.

Usage, Disease/Disorder overview

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