Palpable presentation of breast cancer persists in the era of screening mammography.
BACKGROUND
The aim was to describe cancer detection method and frequency of screening mammography in women undergoing breast cancer surgery in 2000.


METHODS
Patients undergoing breast cancer surgery were identified through an institutional database. Charts were reviewed to determine presentation at time of diagnosis. Presentation was coded "palpable" if the woman presented with a breast complaint or if a new mass was detected on examination versus "screening" if detected on screening mammogram.


RESULTS
Five hundred ninety-two breast cancers were identified: 57% presenting by screening and 43% palpable. Cancer was more likely to present as palpable in patients with no previous screening mammography compared with those with previous mammography (67% versus 39%; p = 0.0002). Patients with palpable presentation were younger than those with screen-detected cancer (mean age 57 versus 62 years; p < 0.0001).


CONCLUSIONS
Despite the frequent use of screening mammography, 43% of breast cancers presented as a palpable mass or otherwise symptomatic presentation.
Mathis
Kellie L
KL
Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation, Rochester, MN, USA.
Hoskin
Tanya L
TL
Boughey
Judy C
JC
Crownhart
Brian S
BS
Brandt
Kathy R
KR
Vachon
Celine M
CM
Grant
Clive S
CS
Degnim
Amy C
AC
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography; D008403:Mass Screening; D008875:Middle Aged; D010173:Palpation; D012307:Risk Factors