Showing papers on "Mammography published in 1990"

Stereotactic breast biopsy with a biopsy gun.

Abstract: One hundred three patients underwent stereotactic breast biopsy with an 18-, 16-, or 14-gauge cutting needle and a biopsy gun. After biopsy, a localization wire was placed and surgical biopsy performed. There was agreement of the histologic results in 89 cases (87%) including 14 of 16 cancers (87%) (kappa = 0.806). The gun biopsy yielded the correct diagnosis in four cases involving a lesion (including one cancer) that was missed at the surgical biopsy. Nine cases in which the lesion was missed at gun biopsy can be related to insufficient needle size, the greater difficulty in using one of the two stereotactic devices, and early inexperience with the technique. A 14-gauge needle was used in the last 29 biopsies, the results of which agreed with the surgical pathologic findings in 28 cases (97%). With greater experience, stereotactic-guided large-gauge automated percutaneous biopsy may prove to be an acceptable alternative to surgical biopsy in women with breast masses suspected at mammography.

Occult breast cancer presenting with axillary metastases. Updated management.

Abstract: • An isolated axillary lymph node metastasis in a woman without an obvious clinical primary site most frequently originates from the breast. Mastectomy has been the historical treatment of choice. A retrospective study of 35 patients was undertaken to evaluate the roles of modern mammography, breast preservation, and adjuvant systemic therapy in the management of these patients. Twenty-eight patients underwent a mastectomy, while 7 were managed by a combination of limited resection and/or axillary dissection and radiation therapy. Twenty-two (67%) of the 33 breast specimens contained carcinoma. Comparison of the pathologic results with the preoperative mammograms showed a specificity of 73%, while the sensitivity was only 29%. Actuarial 5-year survival after mastectomy or breast preservation was similar (77% and 65%, respectively). Patients with more than one positive lymph node benefited from adjuvant therapy. Mammography does not locate the majority of occult stage II breast cancers, and both breast preservation and adjuvant therapy may have roles in the management of these patients. ( Arch Surg . 1990;125:210-215)

Medical audit of a rapid-throughput mammography screening practice: methodology and results of 27,114 examinations.

Abstract: Medical audit results from the entire experience of a rapid-throughput mammography screening practice are presented, comprising 27,114 examinations conducted from April 1985 to September 1989. The authors screened a self-selected physician-referred population, almost 94% of whom were asymptomatic. Estimated sensitivity of initial mammography interpretation was 93.1% with a specificity of 94.2% and a positive predictive value of 10.0%. Biopsies prompted by screening yielded a diagnosis of malignancy in 32.1% of cases; 170 breast cancers were identified, 67.1% requiring mammographic needle localization. Median cancer size was 12 mm, the rate of axillary nodal metastasis was 11.0%, and the systemic metastasis rate was 1.2%. Of the cancers found, 76.5% were stage 0 or stage 1. Conducting a medical audit is the most convincing way to demonstrate the success of a mammography screening practice, thereby providing this important information for the benefit of screenees, referring physicians, third-party payers, a...

A model for breast cancer screening.

Abstract: A model for breast cancer screening has been developed. When the appropriate screening policy is specified, the model reproduces the detection rates and the incidence of interval cancers as observed in the recent screening projects in Utrecht and Nijmegen, the Netherlands. The model-predicted mortality rate reduction is in accordance with the results of the Kopparberg/Ostergotland randomized trial in Sweden. Key parameters of the model are the duration of the preclinical stages and the sensitivity of mammography. The average duration is approximately 2 years at age 40 and increases to approximately 5 years at age 70. The sensitivity is high (approximately 95%) for tumors larger than 1 cm. The model is used in the prospective evaluation of effects and costs of various screening policies.

Physical examination. Its role as a single screening modality in the Canadian National Breast Screening Study.

Abstract: Although often recommended as an important component in screening for breast cancer, physical examination of the breasts (PE) by medical professionals has not been well evaluated. The Canadian National Breast Screening Study (NBSS) permits estimation of sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value (PPV) of PE alone as performed by screen-examiners because 50% of the 89,835 NBSS participants did not receive mammography. There were 19,965 women aged from 50 to 59 years who were eligible to receive four or five annual PEs from 77 nurse-examiners, in 12 screen centers outside Quebec province and 58 physician-examiners in three screen centers in Quebec. The gold standard was histologically proven breast cancer. When a test was positive the participant was referred to the study surgeon for review. For screens one to five, sensitivity was 83, 71, 57, 83, and 77; specificity was 88, 94, 96, 96, and 96; and PPV was 3, 3, 4, 3, and 4, respectively. For 25,620 women aged 40 to 49 years who were eligible to receive only one PE, sensitivity was 71, specificity 84, and PPV 1.5. Using a binomial regression model, X2 for heterogeneity suggested there was no difference between nurse and physician examiners (P = 0.6879). Similar estimates made for the surgeons who performed 8914 reviews showed that sensitivity and PPV were higher than for the screen examiners and specificity was lower. These results support the conclusion that physical examination of the breasts by trained nurses is a useful component in screening for breast cancer.

Evaluation of the Increase in Breast Cancer Incidence in Relation to Mammography Use

Abstract: The breast cancer incidence rate (i.e., the detected number of new cases per 100,000 women) increased by 31% in western Washington State between the time periods 1974-1978 and 1986-1987. If this increase is largely due to earlier detection of cases through mammography, it is encouraging; otherwise (if it cannot be attributed to mammography alone), investigation of other factors may be needed. The observed increase, based on 18,559 documented breast cancer cases from the Seattle-Puget Sound Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registry, was compared with the predicted increase based on mammography utilization by year from a survey of 1,212 women in western Washington and on data from published studies regarding the impact of mammography on the detection rate for new breast cancer cases. Among women aged 45-64, all of the increase was associated with local stage disease and with tumors detected at a smaller size. Further, the 15% observed increase in incidence in this age group was less than the 20% increase predicted due to the utilization of mammography. However, the observed increase was approximately twice the predicted increase for women aged 65-74 (observed 57%, predicted 26%) and for women aged 25-44 (observed 29%, predicted 12%). Thus, all of the increase in detected breast cancer among 45-64 year old women appears to be explained by the increased use of mammography, while among older women and younger women there may be other contributing factors. The limitations and implications of this analysis are discussed.

The role of the reference radiologist. Estimates of inter-observer agreement and potential delay in cancer detection in the national breast screening study.

Abstract: The Canadian National Breast Screening Study (NBSS) is a randomized controlled trial to assess the effect of screening on breast cancer mortality. The NBSS designated a single reference radiologist who blindly reviewed over the course of the study 5200 randomly selected two-view mammographic examinations of women not known to have breast cancer. He also reviewed 575 screening-detected breast cancer (SBC) cases and 102 interval breast cancer (IBC) cases. All cancers were histologically proven. As a result of the reviews, comments on inter-observer agreement, interpretation, and technical quality were conveyed on an ongoing basis to radiologists appointed to 15 NBSS screening centers. Agreement of the reference radiologist with center radiologists was better for breast cancer cases (kappa = 0.511, P less than .002) than for those not known to have breast cancer (kappa = 0.307, P less than .002). Observer error and technical problems led to delayed detection in 22% of SBCs and 35% of IBCs. Another 11% of SBCs and 58% of IBCs were probably mammographically occult. No similarly comprehensive review of mammography during a screening program has been published. Suggestions arising from the NBSS review were sometimes resisted by center radiologists. Measures are suggested which might facilitate acceptance of recommendations arising from audit mechanisms in mammography screening programs, thereby enhancing opportunities for mammographic excellence.

Revisions in the risk‐based breast cancer screening program at group health cooperative

Abstract: To pursue the goal of achieving regular use of mammography in women 40 years of age and older, a risk-based selective approach to screening was implemented at a 400,000-member managed health care system in the Northwest in 1985. This article describes the context for this approach to selective screening and reviews revisions in the algorithm used to determine when and how a woman should be screened. Changes made in 1988 with respect to age criteria, intervals for mammography, and which risk factors to include are discussed. The result of these changes is that 83% of women 40 years of age and older are now eligible for regular mammography compared with 57% under the former system. The total use of mammography in any given year remains unchanged. The results of this analysis have implications for other organizations attempting to promote the use of mammography.

Mammographic screening of women with increased risk of breast cancer

Abstract: Five hundred one women from Dallas County, Texas who participated in the American Cancer Society 1987 Texas Breast Screening Project were selected because of a self-reported family history of breast cancer (cases). They were matched with 501 randomly selected women from the same county with no family history (controls). Although there was a statistically significant trend with age for an increasing proportion of women to report having undergone mammography, there was no significant difference when comparing mammographic histories of cases with controls after controlling for age (31.5% versus 35.1%, P = 0.33). Significantly more cases (79%) perceived their risk for breast cancer to be moderate or greater compared with controls (54%, P less than 0.0001), but mammographic histories were not different when controlling for perceived risk. Both cases and controls cited lack of physician referral and cost as their reasons for not having undergone mammography. Women at increased risk for breast cancer (because of their family history) are not undergoing regular mammographic screening despite their self-awareness of the increase in their risk.

Male breast carcinoma: review of a multicenter series of 150 cases. Coordinating Center and Writing Committee of FONCAM (National Task Force for Breast Cancer), Italy.

Abstract: A multicenter series of 350 intraductal breast cancers (DCIS) is reported. Mammography was the most sensitive test but suspicion arose only at palpation in 13% of cases whereas in 10% of cases biopsy was recommended for a benign lesion and DCIS was an unexpected finding. Mammography, physical examination and cytology must be combined to achieve optimal sensitivity. Systematic biopsy of apparently benign masses would increase DCIS detection rates but the cost-effectiveness of such a policy is questionable. A trend of conservative surgery was evident over time (from 1968-79, 28%; 1985-1989, 50%) but breast irradiation followed only in one fourth of the cases. The local recurrence rate was significantly higher in cases of limited surgery (with or without irradiation) with respect to mastectomy (1.2 vs 0.2 x 100 patient-years at risk). Most recurrences (7 of 8) in the conserved breast were infiltrating, but no recurrence was seen in subclinical DCIS cases. Three patients died of breast cancer after local recurrence in the conserved breast (2 cases) or mastectomy scar (1 case). Eligibility for conservative surgery of DCIS needs to be carefully discussed to avoid under-treatment. Contralateral breast cancer was recorded in 44 cases and the incidence of further metachronous cancer to the other breast was ten times higher than expected in normal breasts. Four patients died of contralateral breast cancer, free of ipsilateral recurrence. A careful follow-up of the contralateral breast in DCIS cases looks as important as surveillance of the conserved breast.

Investigation of methods for the computerized detection and analysis of mammographic masses

Abstract: At present mammography is the most effective method for the early detection of breast cancer1 . Detection and classification of masses in mammograms are among the most important and difficult tasks performed by radiologists. Various studies have indicated that regular mammographic screening can reduce the mortality from breast cancer in women2. Thus mammography may become one of the largest volume x-ray procedures routinely interpreted by radiologists. The miss rate for the radiographic detection of malignant masses ranges from 12 to 30 percent. In addition although general rules exist for the visual differentiation of benign and malignant masses error does occur in the classification of masses with the current methods of radiologic characterization. Thus it is apparent that the efficiency and effectiveness of screening procedures could be increased by use of a computer system that successfully aids the radiologist in detecting and characterizing mammographic masses. We are developing computerized schemes for the automated detection and classification of masses in digital mammograms. The detection scheme utilizes the architectural symmeiry of the left and right breasts and digital bilateralsubtraction techniques in order to increase the conspicuity of the mammographic mass prior to the application of featureextraction techniques. The classification scheme involves the extraction of border information from the mammographic mass in order to quantify the degree of spiculation which is related to the likelihood of malignancy. METHODS Clinical screen/film mammograms were used in the

Lightscanning versus mammography for the detection of breast cancer in screening and clinical practice. A Swedish multicenter study.

Abstract: State of the art lightscanning of the breast was tested against mammography in 2568 women in a Swedish multicenter study. The study was in two parts. One was in women with symptoms from the breasts (the clinical study) comprising 3178 examined breasts with 198 cancers; the other in asymptomatic women (the screening study) comprising 1909 examined breasts with 126 cancers. In women with symptoms from the breasts, lightscanning did not contribute to clinical examination and mammography. In the screening situation, it was poor to pick up small cancers. Mammography alone falsely diagnosed cancer in 6.9% of the patients whereas lightscan falsely diagnosed cancer in 19.1%. Lightscan was not better than mammography in young women. The study shows that lightscanning in its current form is inferior to standard mammography.

Highlights from the history of mammography.

Abstract: The evolution of mammography from simple radiography of mastectomy specimens to the foremost method of breast cancer screening has been dependent on its creators and nurturers, people with intense vision, idealism, and scientific skill. Society owes these investigators a debt of gratitude that can never be adequately repaid.

Mammographic measurements before and after augmentation mammaplasty.

Abstract: Thirty-five augmented women underwent mammography using both the standard implant-compression technique and, when possible, the implant-displacement technique; all had preaugmentation film-screen mammography available for evaluation. The area of mammographically visualized breast tissue before and after augmentation mammaplasty was measured using a transparent grid. Patients with subglandular implants had a mean decrease of 49 percent of measurable tissue area with compression mammography and a 39 percent decrease with displacement mammography. Patients with submuscular implants had a 28 percent decrease in measurable tissue area with compression mammography and a 9 percent decrease with displacement mammography. Anterior breast tissue was seen better with displacement mammography; posterior breast tissue, with compression mammography. Most patients had some degree of parenchymal scarring and lower image quality after augmentation. State-of-the-art mammography was not possible in most patients augmented with silicone-gel-filled implants.

Mammography-guided stereotactic fine-needle aspiration cytology of nonpalpable breast lesions: prospective comparison with surgical biopsy results.

Abstract: We assessed the usefulness of fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in evaluating nonpalpable breast abnormalities by prospectively performing stereotactic mammography-guided FNAC on 100 women undergoing surgical excisional biopsy. Mammographic and cytologic diagnoses, on a scale of 1 (benign) to 4 (malignant), were assigned for each case and compared with the surgical pathologic diagnosis. Sensitivity and specificity were examined at different diagnostic cutoff points for regarding a mammographic or cytologic diagnosis as positive or negative. Of the 100 breast biopsy specimens, 70 were benign and 30 were malignant. For both mammography and FNAC, the optimal diagnostic cutoff point was between diagnosis 2 (mammography, probably benign; cytology, atypical) and 3 (mammography and cytology both suspicious for malignancy). At this cutoff point, FNAC had a sensitivity of 0.77 and specificity of 1.00, vs 0.73 sensitivity and 0.79 specificity for mammography. Pearson coefficient analysis revealed significant correlations between both mammographic and FNAC diagnoses and surgical pathology (p less than .001 for both). Our results suggest that use of mammography-guided FNAC may reduce the number of breast biopsies performed for benign lesions.

Evaluating women's attitudes and perceptions in developing mammography promotion messages.

Abstract: Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths in women. Although mammography is recognized as the most effective early detection method for breast cancer, it remains underutilized. Communications theory and practice, with its emphasis on formative research, can provide a basis for developing strategies effective in changing mammography-related behaviors. Formative research, an important component of communications planning, can offer information useful in developing suitable messages and materials. The National Cancer Institute conducted small group discussions with white and black women, ages 40 to 75, to explore their attitudes, knowledge, and beliefs about mammography. Findings reinforced the results from quantitative surveys indicating that a perceived lack of their own need for the examination, lack of a physician referral, and procrastination were the main reasons that the women reported for not having mammograms. The discussions provided detailed information about the factors that can be used to guide development of messages and materials to promote mammography use. The results indicate that strategies for messages directed to either black or white women ages 40 years and older need to stress the same key message points. The points are that all women ages 40 and older are at risk for breast cancer; breast cancer can be treated successfully if it is detected early enough; mammography can detect breast cancer before a lump can be felt by a woman or her physician; women need to follow screening guidelines for age and frequency for screening; and mammography is a low-risk, quick, and painless procedure. Communication channels to reach women should include television, newspapers, magazines, and information available in physicians' offices.

Radial sclerosing lesion of the breast: mammographic features.

Abstract: The authors present the clinical, mammographic, and pathologic findings in seven patients with radial sclerosing lesions (RSLs) who had a nonpalpable stellate lesion at mammography. Although the radiographic findings were suggestive of RSL in six of seven patients, diagnostic excisional biopsy was recommended for all. One RSL had associated microcalcifications localized in contiguous adenosis. The authors did not find this a useful criterion to differentiate RSL from carcinoma. Similarly, the presence of either a lucent or dense central core was not radiographically diagnostic. Surgical excision of these stellate lesions is therefore required.

Breast cancer diagnosis and prognosis in women augmented with silicone gel-filled implants.

Abstract: From 1981 through 1988, 35 patients with prior augmentation mammoplasty were treated for breast carcinoma. Thirty-two patients had unilateral infiltrating carcinomas; three had noninvasive (in situ) lesions. Thirty-four of 35 (97%) lesions were palpable. One noninvasive cancer was occult, discovered mammographically in the absence of physical findings. Prebiopsy mammography was performed in 29 patients with palpable masses and failed to reveal an abnormality in 12 patients, a false-negative rate of 41%. Fifteen patients were treated with mastectomy; the remaining 20 with breast preservation. Thirty-two patients underwent axillary node dissection; 15 (47%) patients had lymph node metastases. There have been seven (20%) recurrences: one local and six metastatic. Four (11%) patients have died. The median follow-up time is 48 months. Women, previously augmented with silicone gel-filled implants, who develop breast cancer are similar in terms of nodal positivity and prognosis, to nonaugmented breast cancer patients who present with palpable masses. When compared with nonaugmented women whose cancers were found with screening mammography, augmented patients with breast cancer present with a higher percentage of invasive lesion and involved axillary lymph nodes, resulting in a poorer prognosis.

Breast cancer: mammographic and sonographic findings after augmentation mammoplasty.

Abstract: The authors retrospectively reviewed 11 cases of breast cancer in patients who had undergone augmentation mammoplasty. The mammogram or sonogram was abnormal in 10 patients, including six with an abnormal mammographic density or ultrasound study and four with calcifications. One patient had dense breasts and no suspicious findings at mammography. In four patients without palpable findings in the breast, the malignancy was initially detected by means of mammography. In five of six patients with a palpable breast mass, special mammographic views and sonography were helpful in evaluating the mass. Lymph nodes were not involved in six (60%) of the 10 patients with ductal carcinomas. The detection of breast cancer in the augmented breast by means of mammography is possible, even in patients without palpable findings. Modified-position views and sonography may be helpful in evaluating palpable masses. Patients with implants who develop cancer do not necessarily present at a more advanced stage.

Age Group Differences in the Use of Breast Cancer Screening Tests The Effects of Health Care Utilization and Socioeconomic Variables

Abstract: The age-related decline in the use of breast cancer screening tests, specifically periodic mammography and physical breast examinations by a doctor, is especially problematic given that breast cancer risk increases with age. Survey data (N = 3,507) from the Awareness of Breast Cancer Project are used to compare the effects of socioeconomic variables and usual health care use variables on recent use of breast cancer screening tests in women 50 to 75 years of age on Long Island, New York. Having annual checkups and seeing an obstetrician/gynecologist for routine health care are the best predictors of recent mammography and breast physical exams for all women. Income level and education are not independent predictors of recent screening for women over 65. The implications of the effect of primary care practioners on periodic breast cancer screening in older women are discussed.