As the year comes to a close, I think about all that has happened in healthcare this past year and wonder what lies ahead for all of us with the upcoming
changes that are anticipated. I am still frustrated over the mammography conclusions presented by the Task Force in November, but am very
pleased to hear that most physicians, industry professionals and organizations such as the American Cancer Society, have strongly opposed the
findings as well.
There was one point made, however, that was brought out from all the discussions about breast cancer screening, that I would like to address. The one
truthful statement discussed is how difficult it is to interpret mammograms for women with dense breasts. It can be difficult to "see through" dense
tissue because it appears white on a mammogram. Cancerous lumps also appear white, so they become invisible and difficult to differentiate.
In the past, MRI has been suggested to high risk women (about 25% risk factors), as another screening tool for early detection. However, due to the cost
and the concern about contrast injections and radio nuclide injections, this has not become the standard method for screening women who are considered at moderate risk - 15% to 25%. What,
then, is the suggested screening method used for women in this group? I am happy to say that there is a new technology available and now only offered
at Breastnet - The SonoCiné Whole-brest Ultrasound Method.
The FDA has approved this new technology, which is designed specifically as a breast cancer screening tool to enhance yearly mammography screening.
Until now, ultrasound has only been used for diagnostic purposes - not for screening for breast cancer. It is not a replacement for screening
mammography, but an additional exam for women with dense breasts and for some women with breast implants. There
are relatively few radiologists trained to offer screening ultrasound as part of the breast screening process, even though the advantages are many.
When cancers are found with ultrasound, they are significantly smaller than when they are eventually visible on mammograms, making treatment outcomes
very positive.
Since acquiring SonoCiné we have found two breast cancers. One was not visible on the mammogram or on a recent MRI and was not present
on ultrasound 15 months prior. We then performed a screening SonoCiné UltraSound on the patient and found a 5mm invasive non-palpable
ductal carcinoma. Early detection really does save lives and to find this type of cancer at such a small size is significant when we
are talking about patient outcomes.
We have had many patients, who are candidates for SonoCiné UltraSound, happily adding this screening tool to
their yearly mammogram program for added peace of mind. Click on the following link to view a short video segment by KLS TV5
in Ogden, Utah, where you can see the SonoCiné UltraSound Machine and screening process in action.
KLS TV5
When you next come in for your mammogram, be sure to ask me if you are a candidate for this exam and I will answer any questions you may have.
