There are 4 primary imaging choices to screen breasts for cancer-radiation (mammography),ultrasound,thermography and MRI. There are pluses and minuses for each modality. MRI is the most sensitive and will detect breast cancer the earliest. However,its the most expensive and usually not covered by insurance. Mammography is covered by most insurance companies but radiation causes breast cancer. Mammography is a huge profit center and therefore pushed more than other modalities. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a push for more mammogram$$$. Ultrasound is very safe but will not detect tumors that are deep in breast tissue. Thermography is a great screening tool that relies on an increase in blood vessels/heat created by cancer cells. However,all breast cancer cells do not produce a blood supply detectable by thermography (cold tumors). The choice for imaging cant be a feed lot decision as done with cattle. There are cases when I recommend mammograms. This is an area where you have to do your homework and discuss options with a knowledgeable professional,preferably one that knows your medical history.
Posted on: Thu, 18 Sep 2014 17:52:44 +0000
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