Instruments for breast examination

The main instruments for examining the breast include breast ultrasound, mammography, breast magnetic resonance imaging, breast biopsy, and mammography. These instruments each have their own focus, and doctors will recommend the most suitable examination method based on your age, symptoms, and risk factors.

1. Breast ultrasound:

Breast ultrasound is an imaging examination of breast tissue using ultrasound without radiation. It is very accurate in determining whether a lump is cystic or solid, especially suitable for young women with dense breast. Ultrasound can clearly display the various layers of the breast structure, helping doctors distinguish benign lesions such as breast hyperplasia, cysts, and fibroadenomas. For discovered masses, ultrasound can also guide puncture biopsy. During the examination, the doctor will apply a coupling agent on the breast skin and use a probe to slide and scan, which is painless and convenient.

2. Mammography:

Mammography is the internationally recognized preferred method for screening breast cancer, which can detect early and small calcifications, which may be the early manifestation of ductal carcinoma in situ. It has the best examination effect on fat type breast, which can clearly display the structural disorder and lumps of the breast. During the examination, the breasts need to be placed between two flat plates for compression, which may cause slight discomfort but is usually tolerable. It is suggested that women over 40 years old should take this examination regularly as an important means of breast cancer screening.

3. Breast magnetic resonance imaging:

Breast magnetic resonance imaging has extremely high soft tissue resolution, which can more clearly display the morphology, boundaries, and blood supply of breast lesions. It is often used to assess the scope of breast cancer invasion, multi center lesions, and screening for high-risk women. For women with implanted implants, magnetic resonance imaging can also effectively evaluate the integrity of the implant and surrounding breast tissue. During the examination, it is necessary to inject contrast agent intravenously and keep it still in a strong magnetic field. The examination time is relatively long, about 30-40 minutes.

4. Breast biopsy:

Breast biopsy is not a routine imaging examination, but a minimally invasive method used to obtain tissue for pathological diagnosis when suspicious lesions are detected by ultrasound, X-ray, or magnetic resonance imaging. It is divided into two types: fine needle aspiration and core needle puncture, usually performed under ultrasound or X-ray guidance, with precise positioning. Biopsy can identify the benign and malignant lesions, and is the gold standard for the diagnosis of breast cancer. Local anesthesia is performed before the operation, and patients usually only feel slight pressure or tension.

5. Colonoscopy:

Colonoscopy is a miniature endoscope specifically designed to examine the ducts of the breast, primarily used for diagnosing the cause of nipple discharge. When a patient experiences unilateral, single pore bloody or serous discharge, a breast endoscopy can directly observe the inner wall of the catheter and detect intraductal papillomas, inflammation, or early intraductal cancer. During the examination, the doctor will insert an extremely thin fiber optic microscope through the nipple where the fluid has overflowed. The process is delicate and allows for a clear visualization of the lesions inside the catheter, which can be rinsed or sampled under the microscope.

It is recommended that you choose the most suitable examination instrument based on your own condition, such as age, breast type, and whether you have symptoms such as lumps or discharge, after fully communicating with your doctor. Pay attention to keeping breasts clean in daily life, conduct regular self-examination, and seek medical attention promptly if any abnormalities are found, such as lumps, skin depressions, or discharge. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as a balanced diet, moderate exercise, and limiting alcohol consumption, can help maintain breast health.