The abnormal mammogram--what to do.
When an abnormality is detected in a mammogram the following questions should be answered: 1. Does a significant abnormality exist, that is, is the abnormality present in at least two views? 2. Should special imaging techniques, such as ultrasound, be used? 3. What is the conclusion of the radiologist? 4. Is the radiological abnormality clinically palpable? 5. Is the opinion of a breast specialist required? 6. Can fine needle aspirations cytology of the area be performed accurately and without trauma? 7. Should biopsy be undertaken? By posing these questions in sequence and obtaining firm answers, small cancers should not be missed and the biopsy rate will be kept to an acceptably low level.
McCaffrey
J F
JF
Breast Screening Clinic, Royal Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland.
Bennett
I C
IC
Osborne
J M
JM
Baker
C A
CA
D001706:Biopsy; D001941:Breast Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D002985:Clinical Protocols / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography / Q000592:standards*; D012017:Referral and Consultation