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Physical Changes after Weight loss
 Breast
Cancer Awarness & Early Detection
"People
should be afraid of the cancer, not the mammogram." -Nancy
Reagan
October
is Breast Cancer awareness month. It is important for women and
men to practice early detection methods to help detect and prevent
breast cancer.
The Breast Self Examination is encouraged to help individuals become
familiar with normal changes and irregularities in their breast
tissue. Though a self exam cannot detect the small lumps a mammogram
and regular self exams are still recommended.
Depending on a patients family history Dr. Corbin recommends
Clinical breast exams performed by a doctor or nurse trained in
this field of examination, starting at age 20. If a patient
does not have a family history of Breast Cancer, generally Dr.
Corbin recommends annual mammograms starting at the age of 40.
A mammogram is an X-Ray of the breast. The breast is squeezed between
two plates to compress the tissue so that the X-rays can pass through
it. Patients with breast implants should let the mammogram technician
or Radiologist know about the implants before the X-ray.
Two other detection methods for Breast cancer are Ultrasound and
MRI. An ultra sound produces an image of the breasts by exposing
it to high-frequency sound waves. This is generally recommended
to some patients who have a suspicious lump. Some lumps may be solid
and others a fluid filled cyst. Usually cysts are benign and just
need to be drained with a needle. Ultrasound can also be useful
to guide a needle biopsy. Breast Implant patients having needle
biopsy procedures should make sure the doctor is experience in this
area to help avoid rupturing the implant. Dr. Corbin is experienced
in performing this procedure.
An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a test that uses magnets
and radio waves to create a detailed image of the breast. This test
is usually an effective way of detecting breast cancer. Women who
have a family history of breast cancer should consider a yearly
scan in addition to a mammogram. MRI’S are also recommended
to breast implant patients who suspect they may have an implant
rupture. Other candidates for MRI’S are women with dense breasts.
Many premenopausal women have dense breasts. This means their breasts
have more glandular and connective tissue than fat. Sometimes a
woman can tell by feeling her breasts but to confirm this they should
have a mammogram. Sometimes dense tissue can hide tumors even
from the experts this is another reason women with dense breasts
are encouraged to have MRI’S.
Though most breast lumps found are benign (non Cancerous) it is
always recommended to have them assessed by a professional in this
area. Remember the old saying, “Better Safe than Sorry.”
For the month of October 2006, Dr. Corbin’s breast implant
patients can book a complimentary breast exam with Dr. Corbin’s
nurse. This free exam will also include a lesson on self breast
examination.
Early detection of breast cancer can
save lives.
Click
here to book your complimentary cosmetic consultation
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