The use of drugs or vitamins to prevent cancer in people who have precancerous conditions or a high risk of cancer, or to prevent the recurrence of cancer in people who have already been treated for it. Structures located in the nucleus of a cell, containing genes. The use of a small cutting needle to remove a core of tissue for microscopic examination. Normal tissue changes that occur in response to the changing levels of female hormones during the menstrual cycle. Cyclic breast changes can produce swelling, tenderness, and pain.
Breast cysts are benign.
A technique for recording x-ray images in computer code, which allows the information to enhance subtle, but potentially significant, changes. Breast ducts transport milk from the breast's lobules out to the nipple. Excisional biopsies remove the entire lump from the breast. Breast x-rays that miss cancer when it is present. Breast x-rays that indicate breast cancer is present when the disease is truly absent.