By Krystal Smith, D.O.
In the United States, breast cancer is the second leading cause of death after heart disease in women. And here locally, in the state of Florida, nearly 16,000 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed each year. Women with dense breast tissue have a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
A woman’s breast has three kinds of tissue1
• Fibrous tissue holds the breast tissue in place.
• Glandular tissue is the part of the breast that makes milk, called the lobule, and the tubes that carry milk to the nipple, called ducts. Together, fibrous and glandular tissue are called fibroglan- dular tissue.
• Fatty tissue fills the space between the fibrous tissue, lobule, and ducts. It gives the breasts their size and shape.
As women age, more dense tissue can develop. Half of women over the age of 40, have dense tissue. With mammograms, dense breast tissue can hide tumor detection because fibrous glandular tissue can be confused with tumors and vice versa.
In addition to mammography, the Breast Center of Naples recommends supplemental screening with a breast ultrasound for women with dense breast tissue because it can detect tumors and cancer on a higher level. A breast ultrasound is a machine that uses sound waves to make detailed pictures, called sonograms, of areas inside the breast. At Breast Center of Naples they go a step further for their patients and offer this supplemental screening procedure via a handheld device. This allows the radiology practitioner to better control and accurately perform the scan which is customized to each patients anatomy and needs. These procedures are also only performed by sonographers specialized in breast ultrasound.
A recent study showed that women that get regular breast cancer screenings cut their risk of dying from breast cancer in half.2
Breast Cancer Screening
A small investment of your time can help save your life. Early breast cancer diagnosis is what spares lives and offers longevity. Physicians cannot stress the importance of getting regular mammograms as well as doing self-breast examinations enough. The breast cancer survival rates in the U.S. are 80-90% if caught in the first stage due to advanced care. However, the diagnosis in later stages drastically drops the survival rate to 24%. It’s essential to schedule your mammogram tests regularly, and if you feel a lump, please contact your physician immediately.
Mammograms and breast ultrasounds have helped diagnose breast cancer early and eliminate metastasizing cancer and deaths; however, not all breast cancer is detected with traditional mammography. Additional symptoms of breast cancer are lumps in the breast or underarm, pain, nipple discharge, or a physical change in the appearance of the breast or nipple. If you have any of those symptoms, your doctor will order you an advanced imaging test.
Early diagnosis saves lives, and it is critical for treating any cancer effectively. Regular screenings are imperative, as are self-diagnoses. If you notice any changes, making an appointment with your physician is vital.
Breast Cancer Risk Factors
• Being Female
• Age
• Cancer Recurrence
• Overweight
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Alcohol consumption
• Environmental toxins
• Dense breast tissue
• Unhealthy lifestyle & diet
• Menstrual onset before 12 yrs.
• Menopause after 55 yrs.
• Family History (sister mother, daughter)
• Genetics (BRCA1 and BRCA2)
Breast Center of Naples
Here at Breast Center of Naples, breast imaging is all we do! Dr. Smith and her specialized staff have dedicated their lives to caring for women and the early detection of breast cancer. In contrast to other imaging centers, your care will solely be provided by fellowship trained breast radiologists and a team of specialized technologists and sonographers. Not only do we offer this specialized care—We do this in a unique setting unlike any in Collier County. Our luxurious, spa-like, atmosphere awaits you where you are treated like family as soon as you enter the office. When you first arrive, you will experience our beautiful reception area and welcoming staff. Once it is time for your imaging, you will be taken to our calming secondary waiting area with ample dressing rooms and a plush robe for your exam.
Advanced Equipment and Technology
We have only state of the art equipment which includes Hologic 3D Mammography, GE ultrasound, and Hologic bone density. We offer the area’s only true screening ultrasound program for patients with dense breast tissue. All of these services are offered in one of the area’s newest Class A buildings – The Kraft Center.
Contact The Breast Center of Naples Today.
239-238-1210
Breastcenterofnaples.com
3555 Kraft Rd., Suite 350, Naples, FL 34105
KRYSTAL SMITH, D.O.
Board Certified Diagnostic Radiologist with specialty fellowship training in Breast Imaging. She is the founder of the Breast Center of Naples. She has dedicated her career to women’s health, patient-centered care, and the early detection of breast cancer.
References:
1. CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, What Does It Mean to Have Dense
Breasts?, https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/dense-breasts.htm
2. Tabar L, Vitak B, Chen TH, et al. Swedish two-county trial: impact of mammographic
screening on breast cancer mortality during 3 decades. Radiology 2011;260:658-63.