ISSN:
1432-1084
Keywords:
Breast cancer
;
Early diagnosis
;
Microcalcifications
;
Histological findings
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Neither mammography nor cytology can distinguish precancerous tissue abnormalities from an infiltrative early carcinoma of the female breast. Radiologically detected microcalcifications can be the sole sign of precancerous stages or of already infiltrating mammary carcinoma. For this reason calcifications that are grouped together in a defined area or show up at a stage of multiple dissemination have to be resected and must be identified in the resected sample immediately. Between 1964 and 1990 we examined 82 163 women clinically, mammographically and in many cases sonographically at Erlangen University Hospital, FRG — by far the largest published series. In 1393 cases microcalcifications in the mammary tissues were resected and histologically diagnosed. In 1 in 4 cases we discovered a carcinoma or carcinoma in situ. The percentage we found (26.9%) corresponds with the results of other research groups. In order to avoid delays in the diagnosis of breast cancer effective cooperation between those physicians dealing with diagnosis and those performing surgery is essential. Mistakes can occur during a routine procedure, so we follow the principle that doubtful cases must be histologically evaluated.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00169787
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