The role of X-ray, MRI, ultrasound, biopsy in the diagnosis of breast cancer

Video content is consulted by Specialist Doctor I Nguyen Tien Phu - Breast Screening Center - Vinmec Times City International Hospital

Breast cancer has a "preclinical" period lasting up to 8-10 years. During this period, screening tests are required to detect the disease. Currently, late diagnosis is a common situation of cancers in Vietnam, including breast cancer.

More than 70% of breast cancer patients are being detected at stages 3 and 4. Breast cancer if detected early, the sooner it can be treated, the better the outcome and prognosis will be. Therefore, the role of diagnostic imaging tools such as X-ray, MRI, breast ultrasound, breast biopsy ... plays a very important role. Mammograms: A technique that uses low-dose X-rays to image the structure of the breast. Annual mammograms can help detect breast cancer early, when treatment has a high probability of success. Mammograms can help detect breast cancer years earlier before symptoms appear.
Breast MRI : An imaging technique that can be performed in addition to mammography in cases of:
There is a high risk of breast cancer; Family history of breast or ovarian cancer; Thick breast density; Having a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation; Had radiation therapy to the chest area before age 30. Breast ultrasound: For women whose mammogram results show dense breast density, the doctor may recommend additional breast ultrasound, and it is also an option for women at high risk of breast cancer. breast cancer for which a mammogram cannot be performed, or in pregnant women who cannot have a mammogram (due to exposure to X-rays during a mammogram).
Breast biopsy: There is only one method to be able to definitively diagnose breast cancer, which is to do a biopsy of the breast tumor histology. Specimens for pathology can be obtained through fine-needle aspiration breast biopsy, or surgically.
If unfortunately the biopsy result is breast cancer, the patient will be assigned by the doctor to do some extra steps to determine the type of cancer, the level of cancer progression, ... for the purpose of giving determine the most appropriate treatment regimen and have the best prognosis for the specific condition of the patient.