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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. |
Breast
Cancer Awareness - October 2006