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Effective breast cancer detection with film-screen mammography
Journal of the Canadian Association of Radiologists
|December 1, 1985
Summary
Adequate mammography technique ensures visualization of breast cancers, even without imaging the retromammary space or ribs. This study confirms proper mammography consistently detects cancers, regardless of size or location.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Mammographers express concern regarding the non-visualization of the retromammary space and ribs.
- Early breast cancer detection is crucial for improved patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the necessity of visualizing the retromammary space and ribs in mammography.
- To evaluate the impact of adequate technical factors on cancer detection rates.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 186 breast cancers detected over six years in 10,034 asymptomatic women.
- Evaluation of cancer position, visualization on different mammographic views, and proximity to the film's posterior edge.
Main Results:
- 90% of cancers were detected via mammography.
- All cancers were visualized on the mediolateral view; 3 were missed on the craniocaudal view.
- Imaged tumors were smaller with a higher rate of non-invasive cancers compared to symptomatic populations.
Conclusions:
- Proper mammography technique consistently visualizes breast cancers, irrespective of tumor size, histology, or location.
- Visualization of the retromammary space and ribs may not be essential for adequate cancer detection.