Breast Cancer: The Importance of Imaging

Early detection can save lives; read our latest blog discussing breast cancer and the importance of imaging for detection and possibly treatment!

Breast Cancer Awareness

Join us this October as we recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month because we aim to unite when cancer divides. Breast cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the breast when cells begin to multiply out of control. In the United States, one in eight women will develop breast cancer. Aside from skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women. In 2022, the American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 43,250 women will die due to breast cancer, with a total of about 287,850 new invasive cases diagnosed.

The two most frequent forms of breast cancer are:

  • Invasive ductal carcinoma:Occurs when abnormal cells form within the milk ducts, then alter and attack breast tissue outside the ducts. Once this occurs, these cancer cells can spread to other body areas. The most common type of breast cancer, making up for a total of 80% of diagnoses.
  • Invasive lobular carcinoma – Beginning in the milk-producing glands known as the breast lobules, as the name invasive implies, this cancer can advance beyond the lobule. It can potentially reach one’s lymph nodes and other parts of the body. This form of breast cancer makes up around 10% of diagnoses.

Early Detection for Your Protection 

When discovered in its early stages, breast cancer has a survival rate of 99%, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Three simple steps can help you remain proactive regarding breast cancer prevention. First, conduct a breast self-examination once a month at home. Familiarize yourself with how they feel and alert your doctor if changes arise. As the saying says, “feel for lumps, save your bumps.” The next step is a clinical breast exam; your physician or gynecologist completes a CBE at your annual examination. They are trained to notice any breast abnormalities or warning signs. The third and final step is a mammogram. This type of imaging allows a specialist to examine the breast tissue of targeted problem areas. Mammograms can detect breast lumps before they can be felt by hand.

Breast Cancer Awareness Pink ribbon.

Early detection is fundamental to treating breast cancer, with varied screening options readily available. Here are different types of radiological imaging used for breast cancer detection:

  • Breast MRI – A breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a diagnostic exam through a union of radio waves and powerful magnets that forms detailed images of the inside of the breast.
  • Breast Ultrasound – A screening test that utilizes sound waves to look within the breast. Breast ultrasounds also allow for specific breast changes to be monitored, such as a fluid-filled cyst that a mammogram may struggle to depict clearly.
  • Mammograms – Last but certainly not least is the most crucial screening test for breast cancer. Think of a mammogram as an X-ray of the breast, which can detect breast cancer as early as two years before a doctor can physically feel a tumor.

Breast cancer is an extremely difficult disease to experience or watch someone you love the experience. Therefore, raising awareness regarding means of prevention is essential moving forward. As actress and breast cancer survivor Ann Jillian once said, “There can be life after breast cancer. The prerequisite is early detection.”

Breast cancer research day - did you know 1 in 8 women will get breast cancer during her life_

Breast Cancer Awareness is more than just a month. Visit our website today to learn more about breast imaging and the various types provided!

Resources:

https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/resources/features/breastcancerawareness/index.htm

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/screening-tests-and-early-detection.html

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/breast-cancer/invasive-ductal-carcinoma-idc#:~:text=What%20is%20invasive%20ductal%20carcinoma,the%20walls%20of%20the%20duct

 

I changed the image to something a bit more modern. It’s a free image from Pexels!

 

I think this image was not used so I would find a new one to use from this month’s schedule!

 

Gotcha!!

The Importance of Imaging for Detecting Fibroids

Are you aware that fibroids are the most common non-cancerous tumor in women? Let’s discuss what a fibroid is, how it presents itself, and the importance of imaging for detecting fibroids.

What are Fibroids?

When an abnormal growth forms on or around a women’s uterus, it’s called a fibroid, which is formally known as “leiomyomas” or “myoma.” Uterine fibroids are predominately benign or noncancerous and can vary in shape and size. . Uterine fibroids can cause discomfort, abnormal bleeding in patients, and in some cases lead to reproductive issues. Although the direct cause of fibroids is still unknown, age, family history, high blood pressure and obesity are all contributing risk factors. The Office on Women’s Health claims that by the age of 50, 20% of women will have had a fibroid.

The Silent Symptoms of Fibroids

The scary truth is that most women have no idea they have a fibroid. However, if symptoms do manifest, they can be not pleasant. Here are the most common symptoms when dealing with fibroids:

  • Changes in menstruation – This can result in longer, more frequent, or heavy periods, heightened menstrual cramps, irregular vaginal bleeding and even anemia due to blood loss.
  • Pain – Pain during intercourse, constipation, or pain in the lower abdomen/back that is often aching and heavy can be indications of fibroids.
  • Pressure – Feeling as if you are “full” near the abdomen causing what is sometimes called pelvic pressure.
  • Reproductive problems – In some cases, women with fibroids can struggle with infertility, repeated miscarriage, and early onset of labor during pregnancy.

Notably, fibroids that are attached to the uterus by a stem can potentially twist resulting in fever, nausea, and pain. Due to the recurrence of asymptomatic fibroid patients, routine pelvic examinations are highly advised.

Close up shot of woman clutching stomach in pain.

The Importance of Imaging Services

You can’t always feel fibroids, so how would you know you have them? Fibroids can be discovered during a routine pelvic examination. Another method of detection is through radiological imaging. Some types of imaging utilized to diagnose fibroids include:

  • Computed Tomography (CT) or Computer-Assisted Tomography (CAT) scan – which scans the body with x-rays from varied angles to compile a more complete photo than a regular x-ray.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – which using magnets and radio waves creates an image of the inside of one’s body. MRIs are considered the most effective form of imaging seeing as they’re the most successful in identifying exact location and provide the clearest image.
  • Ultrasound – forms a picture by using sound waves; this exam can be completed externally on the abdomen or inside the vagina.

Interventional radiology services are common to help remove uterine fibroids.  A Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a non-surgical form of treatment that is a highly effective alternative to a hysterectomy. The procedure usually takes less than one hour and has a quick recovery compared to a typical surgery.

Non-surgical uterine fibroid treatment!

The importance of imaging for detecting fibroids is not something to ignore! Radiology of Indiana continues to be national experts in UFE and perform the largest number of procedures in the state of Indiana. Click to learn more about the Uterine Fibroid Embolization procedure, which is offered at our four interventional radiology centers. You can also request an appointment here!

Resources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2766886/

https://www.fda.gov/consumers/womens-health-topics/uterine-fibroids