Annual mammograms could diagnose tumors early enough to save lives. Every year after age 50. Annually if she has had any type of breast cancer, no matter what her age. If she has had a sister or mother diagnosed with breast cancer, she should have mammograms beginning 10 years earlier than the age at which her family member was diagnosed. Abnormal results of mammograms include a group of small, white dots and a star-shaped suspicious mass or nodule.
Ultrasound testing uses sound waves to detect whether a mass is solid, cystic or filled with fluid.
A cyst creates a dark shadow on the ultrasound image. Ask to see proof of accreditation to be sure equipment and training meet American College of Radiology standards. All should display FDA certificates. Both techniques are used as diagnostic tools before biopsy. MRI is being evaluated for detecting early recurrences in women who have had lumpectomies.