Have You Had Your Mammograms, M’am?
Breast Cancer Sizes Detected by Mammogram and Self-Exam:
MAMMOGRAM
0.2 – 0.3 cm Smallest size of a breast cancer visible on a mammogram
0.8 cm Mammograms can detect many other non-invasive cancers (such as DCIS) which are less than 1.0 cm
1.1 cm Average size of cancer found on a mammogram
SELF-EXAM
1 cm Average size of cancer found by women who practice regular breast self-exam.
2.62 cm Average size of cancer detected in a physician physical exam for women who do not practice regular self-exam.
Lumps and Masses
The other half of the breast cancers found by mammography appear as a mass or abnormal density on the mammogram. Some cancers may be felt as a lump on physical examination and be invisible on the mammogram. In these cases, ultrasound (sound wave examination) is useful. This is especially true in dense, glandular breasts. A palpable lump should never be ignored because it is not visible on a mammogram. Such lumps should instead be aspirated, or drained with a needle. If the lump cannot be aspirated, it should be removed or biopsied.
Mammography remains the state-of-the-art tool for diagnosing breast cancer.
Other techniques of visualizing the breast are useful, but do not replace the mammogram. Breast ultrasound is extremely important for examining lesions, such as a fibrosistic condition. The ultrasound can also locate abnormalities in the breast that will help to direct a required biopsy. Also, an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) can evaluate breast tissue and identify areas of abnormality. The usefulness of the MRI in breast cancer diagnosis continues to improve.
