Second to Nature

Tag: screening

  • How is Breast Cancer Diagnosed?

    How is Breast Cancer Diagnosed?

    How is Breast Cancer Diagnosed?

    Early Detection Saves Lives: Understanding Breast Cancer Diagnosis

    At Second to Nature in Roanoke, VA, we understand the importance of awareness and early detection of breast cancer. Early diagnosis often leads to better outcomes, and knowing how medical professionals diagnose this disease is crucial. Breast cancer diagnosis involves several steps, and staying informed can empower you to take proactive measures for your health.

    The First Step: Self-Examination and Screening

    The journey to a breast cancer diagnosis often begins with self-awareness. Self-examinations can alert individuals to any changes in their breast tissue. However, it’s vital to complement these with regular mammograms. These screenings are x-rays of the breast that can detect tumors that are too small to be felt. If there’s a concern from either a self-exam or a mammogram, your doctor will recommend further testing. Second to Nature supports all women in the Roanoke community, emphasizing the significance of these screening tools in catching breast cancer early.

    Diagnostic Mammograms and Ultrasound

    When a screening mammogram reveals an area of concern, a diagnostic mammogram is the next step. This more detailed x-ray zeroes in on a specific area of breast tissue. Sometimes, an ultrasound is also used to distinguish between solid masses and fluid-filled cysts. Our team at Second to Nature understands the anxiety that comes with these tests, and we’re here to offer support and information during these critical times.

    Biopsy: The Confirmatory Test to Diagnose Breast Cancer

    If previous tests suggest the presence of cancer, a biopsy is the definitive way to diagnose breast cancer. This procedure involves taking a small sample of breast tissue for analysis. There are several types of biopsies, and the method used depends on the specifics of each case. Results from a biopsy can confirm whether cells are benign or malignant and determine the type of breast cancer, guiding the path to the most effective treatment.

    Partnering with Second to Nature for Support

    At Second to Nature, we’re committed to supporting our Roanoke community through every step of the breast cancer journey, from diagnosis to treatment and beyond. We provide resources, prosthetics, and post-mastectomy products, standing by each person as they navigate their unique path. Remember, early detection and understanding the diagnostic process are powerful tools in the fight against breast cancer.

    Learn more by calling Second to Nature in Roanoke, VA, at (540) 366-2711. Follow and like us on Facebookfor additional updates. We are happy to help answer your questions, like “How is breast cancer diagnosed?”

  • Know About the Importance of a Mammogram

    Know About the Importance of a Mammogram

    Differences Between 3D and Standard Mammograms

    Second To Nature Recommends Annual 3D or Standard Mammograms

    Second to Nature continues our mammogram discussion. Let’s take time to understand the differences between 3D and standard mammograms. Last month, we shared about the importance of a mammogram. Mammograms aide in early detection and help patients avoid extensive treatments. They also reduce the risk of death and keep treatment costs down. It’s time to review the differences between 3D and standard mammograms.

    Some Basic Mammogram Info

    From the mid-1950s until the early part of the 21st century, 2D mammograms were the most common type. A 2D mammogram takes two pictures of each breast—one from the side and one from above. While 2D is considered a standard mammogram, medical technology shows 3D mammograms give doctors clearer imagery. A 3D mammogram takes multiple images of the breast from different viewpoints.

    Standard Mammograms

    A standard mammogram, or a 2D mammogram, also goes by the terms “conventional digital mammography” and “Full-Field Digital Mammography (FFDM.)” Mammograms are just like an X-ray; they emit a small amount of ionizing radiation. In an x-ray, radiation passes through a person’s body, then a device captures the radiation to create the targeted image.

    A mammogram, designed to look only at breast tissue, takes x-rays at lower doses than standard x-rays. This dose of radiation doesn’t go through breast tissue easily. Because of this, the machine’s two plates flatten the breast to spread apart the tissue.

    Why is It Necessary to Flatten the Breasts?

    According to www.radiologyinfo.org, there are several reasons it’s necessary to flatten the breasts during a mammogram.

      1. Even out the breast thickness to make all of the tissue easily visualized.
      2. Spread out the tissue so that small abnormalities aren’t hidden by overlying breast tissue.
      3. Allow the use of a lower x-ray dose on a thinner amount of breast tissue.
      4. Hold the breast still in order to minimize blurring of the image caused by motion.
      5. Reduce x-ray scatter to increase sharpness of picture.

    In the early days of x-ray imagery, mammograms were printed on film. These days, mammogram images are digital or created with Computer-Aided Detection (CAD.) Digital mammography is similar to technology found in digital cameras. If a digital, standard mammogram results in abnormal readings, CAD systems highlights images of density, mass, or calcification.

    3D Mammograms

    Three-dimensional, or 3D mammograms also go by other terms; “Breast Tomosynthesis” and “Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT.)” A DBT, or 3D mammogram, x-rays multiple images of the breast from different angles. The images get captured and reconstructed, or synthesized, into a 3D image set. 3D mammograms are similar to Computed Tomography (CT) imaging. Some 3D mammograms have slightly higher radiation doses than standard mammograms, but the levels remain within the FDA-approved safety protocol.

    Can’t Decide on Standard Mammograms Versus 3D Mammograms? Do Both

    Standard mammograms and 3D mammograms are the next best step in breast cancer screening, after self-examinations. Both types have advantages in showing results, whether a normal mammogram or abnormal mammogram result. Abnormal mammograms often result in additional imaging.

    Going back for another mammogram can be stressful, take extra time, and result in additional costs. Choosing to combine a 3D mammogram with a standard mammogram reduces the need for follow-up imaging. Using both 3D mammograms and standard mammograms also better detects more cancers than just a standard mammogram. According to www.mayoclinic.org, studies show combining both mammograms can detect one more breast cancer for every 1,000 women screened.

    The Difference Between Normal Mammograms and Abnormal Mammograms

    Regardless of whether it’s a standard mammogram or 3D mammogram, it’s important to understand what’s a normal and what’s an abnormal result. Normal mammograms show breast tissue containing fat, as well as fibrous and glandular tissue. Fatty breast tissue on mammograms shows up dark and transparent. The more fibro-glandular tissue, the denser the breasts. Radiologists classify breast density using four categories:

    • Almost entirely fatty
    • Scattered areas of fibro-glandular density
    • Heterogeneously (dissimilarly) dense
    • Extremely dense

    Many breasts get less dense with age, though some women have denser breasts than others. Patients can have dense breasts and still have a normal mammogram result. Dense breast tissue appears solid white. A normal mammogram result means no detection of distortions, calcifications, or lumps. The image shows the breast as symmetrical.

    Dense Breast Tissue and Other Abnormalities

    While normal, dense breast tissue appears white on a mammogram, sometimes white imagery indicates abnormalities. Abnormal mammograms don’t always mean cancer. Breast calcifications commonly show up on mammograms. They’re deposits of calcium in the breast and show up as white spots.

    Macrocalcifications are larger spots while microcalcifications are smaller ones. Macrocalcifications aren’t usually cancerous. Most microcalcifications aren’t cancerous either, but sometimes they can be an early cancer indicator. Tumors and other masses, like fibrosis, also appear white on mammograms.

    A fibrosis, or cyst, forms due to significant amounts of fibrous tissue. A fibrous area feels firm or rubbery to the touch, as well as soft, tender, and moveable. These are sacs filled with fluid with smooth, well-defined borders. Cancerous breast tumors are usually shaped irregularly. Unlike cysts, tumors don’t move freely and are painless. Often, if the radiologist detects a cancerous tumor, the doctor will order a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis.

    Know the Differences Between 3D and Standard Mammograms with Second to Nature

    Once you see the important differences between 3D and standard mammograms, you may want to discuss this further with your healthcare professional. If your doctor mentions changes he or she observes in a standard breast image, they may recommend a 3D scan. Second to Nature hopes that reviewing the differences between 3D and standard mammograms will give you a better picture of these types of images.

    Second To Nature offers mastectomy education and a wide selection of post-mastectomy products. Call us at (540) 366-2711 and like and follow us on Facebook for updates. We are happy to discuss the differences between standard mammograms and 3D mammograms.

  • Breast Cancer – What You Need to Know

    Breast Cancer – What You Need to Know

    Breast Cancer – What You Need to Know

    Education and Empowerment from Second to Nature in Roanoke, VA

    It was Breast Cancer Awareness Month recently, and we talked about breast cancer last time, so maybe you have a few questions. This is what education can do—spark an interest and generate even more to investigate. It is especially true with education on breast cancer – what you need to know, which is why Second to Nature is providing additional facts.

    Our clients in the Roanoke, Virginia, area take pride in our heritage. While we may choose to celebrate our positive traits, breast cancer is also a difficult part of the legacy we share. It ranks second to skin cancer as the most common type of cancer in American women. We cannot deny the impact breast cancer has on the lives of so many families in our area.

    As mentioned last time, education promotes understanding. This month, we take time to review some of the symptoms and other risk factors surrounding breast cancer. Screening for it can be an eye-opening experience when we make the choice to think about it.

    Looking at Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer

    Let’s begin by taking a look at some of the most common symptoms associated with breast cancer – what you need to know. These warning signs from the body signal something is going on. Pay close attention to any of these symptoms as an important part of your body’s early warning system:

    Lumps, Thickening, Swelling

    These warning signs can be fairly obvious, but do not let them fool you. If you are concerned with breast health, you have intimate awareness of how your breasts look every day. When doing breast examinations at home, be sure to check the surrounding areas of the breast. Armpit areas house a number of lymph glands that may show connected signs that warrant a doctor visit. If you notice, by feel or sight, any unusual lumps, thickening of the skin or breast tissue, or swelling, it is time to investigate further.

    Irritation or Dimpling of Breast Skin

    We recognize that there can be times when certain articles of clothing create skin irritation. Often, relief from such minor irritation comes as soon as you change clothes. But consider signs of irritation and dimpling of the breast that do not disappear or directly relate to an obvious cause like wearing an uncomfortable bra.

    Red, Flaky Skin in the Nipple Area

    The appearance or development of red, flaky skin in the nipple area of the breast can be another important symptom. Beyond requiring care, you may need to be aware of whether any recent activity may have caused the redness. Marathon runners, for example, are on high alert for nipple irritation. But if you are not active in this way and experience noticeable red or flaky nipple irritation, it is time to call your healthcare professional.

    Pulling-in or Pain in the Nipple Area

    The nipple area is full of sensitive nerves, so be aware of any lingering pain here. An obvious sign is when the nipple area pulls in on itself. This discomfort is a clear signal that you must pay attention to, especially if you have tried a home remedy and it persists.

    Nipple Discharges Other Than Breast Milk

    One might expect to see breast milk coming from the nipple, but if you experience discharge unexpectedly or have a bloody discharge, it is another warning sign. Pay attention and get it checked out.

    Changes in Breast Size or Shape

    Again, you see your breasts all the time. If you are proactive with breast health, you check regularly. So any change in breast size or shape is a reason to investigate further. Some individuals do experience a slight difference in size and shape. There can be different causes for it, but check it further with a health professional.

    Breast Pain

    You might think that the sign of pain would be first on our list. But as you can see, there are a number of other signs and symptoms that may not have noticeable pain associated with them. And breast pain can be intermittent—such as the soreness or tenderness many women experience with menstruation. Persistent and significant breast pain is a symptom that needs to be reported to and discussed with your healthcare professional.

    There can be one or more of these signs and symptoms present. The human body has some amazing warnings that let us know when something might be amiss. When it comes to breast health, keep these typical signs and symptoms in mind. Do not hesitate in getting them checked by a professional to help you be better informed about what is going on in your body.

    Factors That Increase Risk of Breast Cancer

    There are some general factors that can influence breast cancer risk. Two of the main ones are (1) being a female, and (2) getting older. See below for why we encourage older women to have regular screenings for breast cancer. Here are additional factors that increase the risk of breast cancer:

    • Having your first menstrual period before age 12.
    • Never giving birth or being older when giving birth to your first child.
    • Getting radiation therapy to the breast or chest.
    • Having a personal history of breast cancer, dense breasts, or some other breast problems.
    • Having a family history of breast cancer (e.g., parent, sibling, or child).
    • Taking oral contraceptives (birth control pills).
    • Taking hormones to replace missing estrogen and progesterone in menopause for more than five years.
    • Being overweight, especially after menopause.
    • Starting menopause after age 55.
    • Changes in breast cancer-related genes (BRCA1 or BRCA2).

    As with the signs and symptoms, individuals may experience the presence of one or more of these risk factors. Some of them, such as the genes, require special testing. Other risk factors may be easy enough to track on your own. Bring up these concerns of risk when visiting your doctor. Together, you can keep a closer eye on significant changes in your breast cancer risk.

    Early Screening Offers Plenty of Information on Breast Health

    Last item relating to breast cancer – what you need to know, but certainly not least, is the importance of screening—early screening.

    In fact, breast cancer screening means checking a woman’s breasts for cancer before any of the signs or symptoms appear. The early screening advised by professionals gives them and you a baseline by which to compare. The way most women obtain this early screening is by having a mammogram.

    Mammograms continue to be the best way to find breast cancer in its early stages. A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breast that lets the doctor see what is happening inside. Having a mammogram can be a little uncomfortable for some women. However, some healthcare facilities may offer options. Mammograms can catch some of the typical cancers in their earliest stages for easier treatment—even before signs and symptoms appear!

    Women ages 50 to 74 should have a screening mammogram every two years. Younger women over age 40 who may have higher breast cancer risk can also benefit from a screening mammogram. Again, these films enable doctors to compare any changes over time, which is why regular checking is so important for breast health.

    If you have low income or no insurance and are between the ages of 40 and 64, our educational source at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) provides the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. Call them at (800) CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) to see if you qualify for a free or low-cost mammogram.

    Empower your own knowledge of breast health by keeping track and gathering possible details. Second to Nature shares this critical information on breast health, screenings, breast cancer signs, and risks to encourage you and your family. We are here to help our Roanoke neighbors maintain optimal breast health.

    Contact Second to Nature for an appointment at (540) 366-2711 or use our contact form. We are located in Roanoke in the Woodhaven Office Park, at 5450 Peters Creek Road. Follow us on Facebook to stay up to date with the latest news and specials.We are dedicated to breast cancer education and empowerment in breast cancer – What You Need to Know.

    Source:
    www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/