Physical methods in breast cancer diagnosis

Physical methods in differential diagnosis of breast cancer are important for early detection of the disease in order to prevent delay in treatment and unnecessary surgical procedures. This is particularly true of mammography, which is unique in being able to detect nonpalpable cancer. The importance of this fact lies in the results of the Health Insurance Plan of Greater New York study in which early detection has led to substantial long-term reduction in mortality. The commotion over risk of mammography has resulted in the exaggeration of a minute risk and the minimization of a great potential benefit. Other physical methods, such as thermography, ultrasonography and diaphanography, may be useful in making a diagnosis more definite and, occasionally, in reducing the number of so-called "interval" cancers discovered subsequent to screening or physical examination.