Mammography and early breast cancer detection

Am Fam Physician. 1991 Feb;43(2):547-57.

Abstract

Screening mammography has been shown to reduce breast cancer mortality. Both film-screen mammography and xeromammography are highly sensitive and specific. Mammography accreditation programs assure physicians and patients that a facility provides mammography of the highest quality, using the lowest possible radiation dose. Mammographic signs of early cancer include a small mass, calcifications, architectural distortion and a neodensity. Dense tissue may result in a false-negative examination even when a cancer is palpable, with adverse effects if biopsy is delayed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Breast / pathology
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mammography* / methods
  • Mass Screening