Complex Breast Examination
A complex breast examination or comprehensive breast diagnostics is recommended in cases of symptoms, positive, or ambiguous mammographic results. Among women, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer. Age is one of the biggest risk factors, making continuous and thorough screening increasingly important as one ages. The most comprehensive assessment is provided by a complex breast examination or comprehensive diagnostics. When is it needed, and what does it involve?
The Role of Complex Breast Examination in Breast Cancer Prevention and Treatment
Thanks to awareness campaigns, most women are aware of the importance of breast cancer screening. Screening is crucial because breast cancer, the most common malignant disease affecting women, is highly treatable in its early stages. The chances of recovery worsen once metastasis occurs. Complex breast diagnostics use the most refined and effective diagnostic tools to provide a clear picture of the issue. However, before we get into the details, let's look at the risk factors and then examine the stages of prevention before undertaking this complex diagnostic examination.
Breast Cancer Risk Factors
Age is one of the most significant risk factors. As the body's hormonal balance changes and estrogen levels decrease, tumors are more likely to develop. Other risk factors include:
- Family history of breast cancer
- Smoking
- High levels of alcohol consumption/alcoholism
- Obesity
- Previous radiation treatment
Lower Levels of Breast Diagnostics
The first level of prevention is the regular manual examination of the breasts, recommended for all age groups.
The next level is the screening recommended biennially upon reaching the age of 35. This examination is generally performed using mammography, a low-radiation X-ray procedure developed for examining the breasts.
If a screening test finds a suspicious lesion, or if certain symptoms are present (palpable lumps, nipple discharge or inversion, thickened skin), a complex breast examination is recommended.
Complex breast diagnostics may occasionally include histological examination.
Complex Breast Examination
The methods used in complex breast diagnostics are decided by the radiologist based on the individual situation of the patient. It's worth noting that mammography is rarely used under the age of 35 unless there is a high risk, or in cases of large breasts or multiple pregnancies. (It is contraindicated in pregnancy or suspected pregnancy). Under the age of 35, breast ultrasound is often added to the physical examination. Between the ages of 20 and 35, it is ideal and recommended that women undergo annual breast ultrasound screening. Over 35, mammography becomes the standard method, and breast ultrasound is only performed after suspicious mammographic results.
The above procedures can be supplemented with an MRI and/or tissue sampling if necessary. For patients with breast implants, the high resolution of an MRI can help determine whether the implant has been damaged or if there is a lesion in the tissue.
Tissue sampling allows for histological examination, which can provide a very accurate diagnosis.
Process of the Complex Breast Examination
- Taking medical history, assessing risk factors
- Physical examination
- Mammographic or ultrasound examination (possibly both)
- If necessary, tissue sampling and/or MRI examination
Complex Breast Examination in Budapest at Újbuda Medical Center
At Újbuda Medical Center, you can have everything from simple mammographic examinations to complex breast diagnostics. If you experience suspicious symptoms, book an appointment!