Mammograms are used to detect signs of breast cancer, which is the top cancer affecting women in Singapore. Here, most mammograms are conducted in 2D, where two X-ray pictures are taken of each breast from two different angles. Sometimes, these images show breast abnormalities, but they may not be clear enough to distinguish between breast cancer and benign tumours.
In cases like these, to confirm or dismiss the suspicion of breast cancer, doctors may recommend additional scans or conduct a biopsy, which is a procedure to extract a sample of breast tissue for testing.
There are several types of biopsy procedures which the breast surgeon would recommend based on a few considerations such as the size and location of the suspicious area; the number of suspicious areas, and how suspicious it looks on the scan image.
A core needle biopsy uses a larger gauge needle to collect samples about the size of a rice grain, while a vacuum assisted biopsy may be used to remove the abnormal area for assessment. Sometimes, a lymph node biopsy may be required if irregularities are found under the arms. For bigger breast masses, an open surgical biopsy may be required.
Most breast biopsies turn out to be benign, not cancerous.
Biopsy may not be required
A new technology called 3D mammography helps doctors capture multiple x-rays from different angles which are reconstructed by computer into digital images to create a 3D reconstruction of the breast. This provides clearer views of abnormalities within dense breast tissues. Greater clarity from a 3D mammogram reduces the number of false positives thereby decreasing the number of unnecessary biopsies.
Be in control of your health
It is important to see a doctor for further assessment if you received an abnormal mammogram report. It may not necessarily mean it is cancer. Gain clarity from a doctor on the next steps required to protect yourself against breast cancer.
Solis Breast Care & Surgery Centre works with Luma Women’s Imaging to provide holistic and integrated breast care services. To increase the accuracy of the breast scan, ultrasound scans as well as a new diagnostic tool called MastoCheck can be used to help identify early-stage breast cancer. With MastoCheck, a small amount of blood is extracted to test for protein biomarkers that typically signal the presence of the disease.
Solis Breast Care and Surgery Centre partners Luma Women’s Imaging Centre and offers 3D Mammograms as part of its breast screening services.
Article contributed and reviewed by Solis Breast Care and Surgery Centre and Luma Women’s Imaging Centre.
