Breast Cancer Screening, Mammography, and Other Modalities

Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2016 Dec;59(4):688-709. doi: 10.1097/GRF.0000000000000246.

Abstract

This article is an overview of the modalities available for breast cancer screening. The modalities discussed include digital mammography, digital breast tomosynthesis, breast ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, and clinical breast examination. There is a review of pertinent randomized controlled trials, studies and meta-analyses which contributed to the evolution of screening guidelines. Ultimately, 5 major medical organizations formulated the current screening guidelines in the United States. The lack of consensus in these guidelines represents an ongoing controversy about the optimal timing and method for breast cancer screening in women. For mammography screening, the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System lexicon is explained which corresponds with recommended clinical management. The presentation and discussion of the data in this article are designed to help the clinician individualize breast cancer screening for each patient.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Biopsy
  • Breast / diagnostic imaging
  • Breast / pathology
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Breast Neoplasms / mortality
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Early Detection of Cancer / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Mammography / adverse effects
  • Mammography / methods
  • Mammography / standards*
  • Mass Screening
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Risk
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Ultrasonography, Mammary
  • United States