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Description
Dr. Victor Pizzitola and the breast imaging team lead a tour of Mayo Clinic's breast cancer imaging center and discussion on breast cancer screening options.
Learn more about:
- The difference between 2D and 3D mammograms
- When to upgrade to a Contrast Enhanced Mammogram
- Dense breast tissue and how it impacts a screening
- Molecular breast imaging
Dr. Pizzitola answered questions during the event.
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I have very dense and heavy breasts and was told by the person doing my mammograms there was no need to do them anymore. I am 68 and have had a breast mass before. What is your opinion and what kind of mammogram would be best for me.
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1 ReactionI have heard that thermography (using heat) is a healthier way to screen. Is there any truth to this?
I was told that breast cancer risk increases with age. I am 72 and my Dr. Makes sure I have mammogram every year. So talk to your Dr.
Hi @mollyb1968, Dr. Victor Pizzitola and Mary Anne speak quite a bit about imaging for women with dense breast tissue, ie 3-D mammogram and contrast mammogram. They particular speak about this at minute 8:00. Did you see it live? If not, no worries. The archived video is posted above in this discussion.
@user_ch3a1e07f I hope you were able to listen to the broadcast live. Your question was asked. To hear the answer start listening at minute 27:00
Dr. Pizzitola responds: Thermography has been studied for a very long time but has not been found to be beneficial for patients in the screening setting. It has not decreased mortality. Thermography is not used at any of the Mayo Clinic campuses.
Additionally Molly, we asked specifically about the upper age limit for regular screening. Listen to the answer from Dr. Pizzitola and Mary Anne at minute 27:30.
I paraphrase here: Mayo Clinic recommends yearly mammograms until past 70. In your mid-70s you can have a conversation with your doctor about whether continuing with regular screening would be beneficial for you. Usually patients who are healthy continue screening.
Thank you for your answers. I saw only parts of it but did not see the answers to questions. Thank you again.
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1 ReactionHow much radiation do you receive with each of these procedures? Thank you.
Hi Julie,
The Q&A for this event is closed. Here is some information from the FDA on radiation emission of medical imaging https://www.fda.gov/Radiation-EmittingProducts/RadiationEmittingProductsandProcedures/MedicalImaging/default.htm
I have a question but not about radiation. My mammogram findings showed benign-appearing fibroglandular calcifications. If these are benign, could they turn to cancer?