Breast
Cancer Awarness & Early Detection
"People
should be afraid of the cancer, not the mammogram." -Nancy Reagan
October is Breast
Cancer awareness month. It is important for women and men to practice early
detection methods to help detect and prevent breast cancer.
The Breast Self Examination is encouraged to help individuals become familiar
with normal changes and irregularities in their breast tissue. Though a self
exam cannot detect the small lumps a mammogram and regular self exams are
still recommended.
Depending on a patients family history Dr. Corbin recommends Clinical breast
exams performed by a doctor or nurse trained in this field of examination,
starting at age 20. If a patient does not have a family history of Breast
Cancer, generally Dr. Corbin recommends annual mammograms starting at the
age of 40. A mammogram is an X-Ray of the breast. The breast is squeezed
between two plates to compress the tissue so that the X-rays can pass through
it. Patients with breast implants should let the mammogram technician or Radiologist
know about the implants before the X-ray.
Two other detection methods for Breast cancer are Ultrasound and MRI. An ultra
sound produces an image of the breasts by exposing it to high-frequency sound
waves. This is generally recommended to some patients who have a suspicious
lump. Some lumps may be solid and others a fluid filled cyst. Usually cysts
are benign and just need to be drained with a needle. Ultrasound can also
be useful to guide a needle biopsy. Breast Implant patients having needle
biopsy procedures should make sure the doctor is experience in this area to
help avoid rupturing the implant. Dr. Corbin is experienced in performing
this procedure.
An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a test that uses magnets and radio
waves to create a detailed image of the breast. This test is usually an effective
way of detecting breast cancer. Women who have a family history of breast
cancer should consider a yearly scan in addition to a mammogram. MRI’S
are also recommended to breast implant patients who suspect they may have
an implant rupture. Other candidates for MRI’S are women with dense breasts.
Many premenopausal women have dense breasts. This means their breasts have
more glandular and connective tissue than fat. Sometimes a woman can tell
by feeling her breasts but to confirm this they should have a mammogram. Sometimes
dense tissue can hide tumors even from the experts this is another reason
women with dense breasts are encouraged to have MRI’S.
Though most breast lumps found are benign (non Cancerous) it is always recommended
to have them assessed by a professional in this area. Remember the old
saying, “Better Safe than Sorry.”
For the month of October 2006, Dr. Corbin’s breast implant patients
can book a complimentary breast exam with Dr. Corbin’s nurse. This
free exam will also include a lesson on self breast examination.
Early detection of breast cancer can save lives.
Click here to book your complimentary gynecomastia cosmetic consultation.
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. All Rights Reserved.
Gynecomastia surgery and Gynecomastia information website
by Dr. Frederic H. Corbin M.D.
