The Breast Diaries

The Myth of the Negative Mammogram

January 9th, 2012

It is a scenario familiar to all breast imaging practices.

A patient feels a lump in her breast and calls her doctor.  The doctor examines her, agrees that a lump is present, and refers the patient to a breast imaging facility for a diagnostic mammogram and breast ultrasound (also known as a sonogram).  At her mammogram appointment, a little sticker is placed on the lump felt by the patient, and mammogram images are taken.  Something may or may not be seen on the mammogram at the site of the lump.  A breast sonogram is performed, and a suspicious mass is seen, clear as day. …

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Don’t Be Shy

September 16th, 2011

Breast self-examination (BSE) is one of our key weapons in the arsenal to detect breast cancer as early as possible.  It only takes a few minutes a month, yet a woman can potentially save her own life by taking the time to do it.  For reasons that have nothing to do with science or common sense, the government panel known as the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, which did not include even one doctor specializing in breast cancer as a panelist, recommends AGAINST women doing self-examinations.  See my take on this HERE.

BSE is especially important if you are younger…

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