[Mammographic diagnosis based on oblique projection. Personal experience]

It is widely known that an early detection of breast cancer, when still asymptomatic, can improve the prognosis. Screening is thus suggested, and mammography should be the methodology of choice. Therefore, we tried to evaluate the best mammographic approach to the screening of breast cancer. Since January 1st, 1986, we have changed our mammographic procedures: the results obtained have been compared with those previously acquired. Through the evaluation of the different parameters we observed that: 1) the best results in patients screened for the first time can be obtained by using the cranio-caudal and the oblique mammographic views; 2) in the follow-up the oblique view can be used alone--which must then be compared with the oblique view of the first exam. This new mammographic approach makes it possible for us to reduce the exposure-dose to the patient and to the population, as well as the time and the cost of the screening. Moreover, the number of examinations can be increased by 20%. These results are extremely interesting, since mammography is now as sensitive as ever.