Ten percent of breast cancers are not mammographically visible. The rarer lobular and inflammatory forms of breast cancer are not as easily detected by mammograms. Therefore, it is imperative that breast self exam and clinical breast exam by a physician be an integral part of routine breast evaluation. Small 6mm breast cancer detected on screening mammogram. This breast cancer which is clearly seen on mammogram was undetectable by breast exam.
Ultrasound exam depicts a breast cancer.
Some authorities have recently questioned the benefit of screening mammography for younger women, particularly those between the ages of 40 and 49. The evidence in favor of routine mammography for these women is equivocal, but clinical trials are underway to address this important question. Preliminary results of these studies suggest benefits for women age 40-49 similar to those over age 50. There is also increasing data suggesting that women in their forties be screened yearly, due to the aggressiveness of hormonally-sensitive breast cancers in premenopausal women. There is no question that women in this age group can benefit if these cancers are detected early.