Breast Study

Lagoacentro pays special attention to breast pathology.

There is a team of doctors with extensive experience in breast imaging led by Dr. Francisco Aleixo, a "master" in breast pathology from the University of Barcelona, and the technical director of the Algarve Oncology Association (AOA) for breast cancer screening in the Algarve.

He has as a consultant one of the most experienced doctors in Portugal in Breast Pathology, Dr. José Carlos Marques, who is responsible for the breast imaging area of the radiology service at IPO Lisbon, a member of the breast cancer screening organized by the Portuguese League Against Cancer, and also a "master" in breast pathology from the University of Barcelona.

The radiology techniques that are part of this team also have an activity dedicated to this area of imaging, providing patients with the least discomfort possible during the mammography.

The existing equipment is modern, state-of-the-art, featuring high-frequency probes on the ultrasound machine as well as elastography application, which helps clarify the radiologist about the possible solid/cystic nature of a lesion through its distensibility/hardness level in cases of doubt.

The methodology used in breast imaging evaluation is largely conditioned by the woman's age.

Recommendation:

Ultrasound should be used as the first imaging examination for women under 30 years old, pregnant women, and women who have recently experienced breast trauma or present with acute inflammatory breast conditions, situations (the last two) in which there is a clear inability for the woman to tolerate compression during mammography.

Ultrasound is the complementary examination to mammography for women aged 40 and above.

For women aged between 30 and 35, we recommend performing an ultrasound possibly followed by a mammography; it is up to the radiologist to decide which methodology to adopt based on the ultrasound findings.

From the age of 35, women should have their first mammography.

Mammography is the most sensitive method for early detection of breast cancer.

Women aged 40 and above should have an annual mammography associated with breast ultrasound – breast study.

From the age of 50 and in women with lipomatous breasts, mammographic evaluation should be biannual.

The breast imaging diagnosis should consider three elements: clinical, mammography, and ultrasound.

All these recommendations are intended for asymptomatic women without risk factors.

Symptomatic women or those with risk factors (e.g., significant family history, previous breast surgery for organic lesions) should undergo monitoring according to the recommendations of their attending physician.

Message:

1. Perform a self-exam on a fixed date with monthly frequency, preferably in the first days of the new menstrual cycle.
2. No prior preparation is needed for breast imaging evaluation.
3. On the day of the exam, do not use creams, deodorants, or talcum powder on the armpits and breast area, as these products can cause artifacts in the exam.
4. Preferably wear two pieces of clothing (top and skirt/pants) to make it easier to remove just the top.
5. It should be noted that women have increased sensitivity during the premenstrual period, so this exam should be avoided at that time.
6. It is always advisable to bring previous exams (mammography and breast ultrasound) if they have been performed before, in order to conduct a comparative study.
7. If there is a possibility of being pregnant or if breastfeeding, you should inform the doctor or technician before the mammography.

To perform the mammography, you will be asked to undress from the waist up in a booth adjacent to the mammography room, so that clothing does not hinder or impair proper positioning, which is a relevant factor for the quality of the exam.

In the mammography room, the radiology technician will position your body and breast appropriately to obtain the different views.

The breast will be gradually compressed between the platform and the compressor, a compression that is momentary. After exposure to X-ray, under automatic control, the breast is immediately decompressed.

In the vast majority of women, the compression is well tolerated; in some, it may cause greater discomfort, which will be better tolerated if the body is relaxed.

It is the compression that allows for the homogenization of breast structures, prevents movement, and is a determining factor for obtaining high-quality mammograms with a low dose of radiation.

This exam takes about 10 minutes.

You will then be directed to another adjacent room for clinical observation by the radiologist, who will perform the Breast Ultrasound (and axillary, whenever necessary).

Other diagnostic procedures may be considered indicated for diagnosis, namely Interventional exams and/or Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging. The radiologist will inform you if any of these studies are deemed necessary, explaining the expected benefits. With the agreement of the clinician and/or the examined patient, they may be scheduled later.