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False negative mammograms causing delay in breast cancer diagnosis
Journal of the Canadian Association of Radiologists
|June 1, 1979
Summary
A negative mammogram in breast cancer patients can delay diagnosis and treatment, significantly increasing axillary node involvement. Early detection and prompt biopsy are crucial for better breast cancer prognosis and survival rates.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiology
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Mammography is a key tool for breast cancer screening.
- A subset of breast cancers (5-7% in Northern Alberta) present with negative mammograms.
- Delayed diagnosis in these cases can impact patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the outcomes of breast cancer patients with initially negative mammograms.
- To investigate the correlation between delayed biopsy and axillary lymph node metastasis.
- To highlight the implications of delayed diagnosis on prognosis and survival.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 80 patients with confirmed breast cancer and negative mammograms.
- Comparison of axillary node involvement in patients with immediate versus delayed biopsy.
- Analysis of patient demographics and diagnostic timelines.
Main Results:
- Immediate biopsy in clinically abnormal cases showed 3.3% axillary node involvement.
- Delayed biopsy (mean 45 weeks) after a negative mammogram revealed 42% axillary node involvement.
- Patients in both groups were younger than the average breast cancer patient.
Conclusions:
- Negative mammograms can mask breast cancer, leading to diagnostic delays.
- Delayed diagnosis significantly increases the risk of axillary lymph node metastasis.
- Enhanced public and medical awareness regarding symptomatic breast masses and mammogram limitations is essential.