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Is CAD A Reliable Test To Detect Fibrocystic Breast Disease?
Question: I am a 60 year old woman who recently had a routine mammogram. It has been 2 1/2 years since my last mammogram. I started my period when I was 13 1/2, have not kids, stopped period at 56 1/2. Had fibrocystic breast disease in 40s. I got a call back and the receptionist or whatever she is said the radiologist said there were "areas that were more prominent" They want to do more mammogram images to "see if it is normal" she said. I did not think mammograms could tell is it was normal. They use the CAD technology. Naturally I am worried. Your thoughts?
Brief Answer:
It may be a suspicion by the CAD that the Radiologist wants to confirm
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query and an elucidate history.
Noted all the points you have mentioned so well.
CAD is computer aided detection.
This system is applied only after the Radiologist first goes through the films and CAD tells the Radiologist which area needs to be re-assessed.
I think the CAD has some doubts and hence the Radiologist would like to redo or review to make it certain what it is.
I would advise you to discuss abut the role of Ultrasonography, guided FNAC if needed and MRI of the breasts if facilities are available at the center. This is just to make you aware of the other modalities that can help.
Obviously the best one is biopsy if there is palpable lump or need be.
So let us wait for the report of the mammogram, there may not be anything serious at all, it may be just a confirmation of negative diagnosis that the Radiologist has thought but the process of CAD might have have asked for further more.
So please relax and do not worry.
It may be a suspicion by the CAD that the Radiologist wants to confirm
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query and an elucidate history.
Noted all the points you have mentioned so well.
CAD is computer aided detection.
This system is applied only after the Radiologist first goes through the films and CAD tells the Radiologist which area needs to be re-assessed.
I think the CAD has some doubts and hence the Radiologist would like to redo or review to make it certain what it is.
I would advise you to discuss abut the role of Ultrasonography, guided FNAC if needed and MRI of the breasts if facilities are available at the center. This is just to make you aware of the other modalities that can help.
Obviously the best one is biopsy if there is palpable lump or need be.
So let us wait for the report of the mammogram, there may not be anything serious at all, it may be just a confirmation of negative diagnosis that the Radiologist has thought but the process of CAD might have have asked for further more.
So please relax and do not worry.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
thank you for your assistance and prompt response.
Brief Answer:
You are most welcome.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your appreciation.
Wishing you all the best.
Just relax at the moment.
You are most welcome.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your appreciation.
Wishing you all the best.
Just relax at the moment.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Also during the mammogram the tech seemed to be having some problem getting me positioned. I got in several contorted positions during the exam. Since I do not consider myself stupid, her remarks that "I kept moving the wrong way or "doing that" and I hate this machine....as well as taking a second image of my right breast...also saying it was supposed to be on 45% and telling me it kept saying 44% and 46%...I could look up and see it going constantly from 44% to 46%. The whole thing along with IT walking back and forth...including one male IT guy that I came face to face with as I left the examining room. The whole thing left a bad taste in my mouth. Thanks for your help and listening. I have also read that there is some concern that the CAD is flagging "normal breast changes" and resulting in unnecessary biopsies, anxiety and fear. Have you heard about that?
Brief Answer:
I do agree with you.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your feedback.
I can understand the situation you must have really gone through.
Read it all, this should not really happen.
As said earlier, CAD is just for assisting the Radiologist (Human being) to remind of the possible overlooks that may occur. Hence this is used judiciously, and it should be.
Where this fact is not borne in mind there can be unnecessary biopsy, anxiety and fear.
Hence the need to have one examination by a General Surgeon- preferably an Oncosurgeon who can correlated the clinical evaluation, examination, physical findings and the reports of the diagnostic procedures done to take further decision.
I do agree with you.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your feedback.
I can understand the situation you must have really gone through.
Read it all, this should not really happen.
As said earlier, CAD is just for assisting the Radiologist (Human being) to remind of the possible overlooks that may occur. Hence this is used judiciously, and it should be.
Where this fact is not borne in mind there can be unnecessary biopsy, anxiety and fear.
Hence the need to have one examination by a General Surgeon- preferably an Oncosurgeon who can correlated the clinical evaluation, examination, physical findings and the reports of the diagnostic procedures done to take further decision.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you so much.
You have been very understanding and helpful.
You have been very understanding and helpful.
Brief Answer:
You are most welcome
Detailed Answer:
Sincere thanks for your appreciation.
Dr T Chandrakant
http://bit.ly/askdrtchandrakant
You are most welcome
Detailed Answer:
Sincere thanks for your appreciation.
Dr T Chandrakant
http://bit.ly/askdrtchandrakant
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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