Lung Cancer Most Preventable
“Lung cancer is the No. 1 cause of cancer death in the U.S. for both men and women. The vast majority of lung cancer cases are caused by smoking,” Burstein tells WebMD. “Thus, lungcancer simultaneously represents the most devastating cancer in our society, and the most preventable.”
He says there are good screening tests for many types of cancer, such as the Pap smear for cervical cancer, the mammogram for breast cancer, and colonoscopy for colorectal cancer.
But what about chest X-rays for lung cancer?
How Are Screening And Diagnostic Mammograms Different
The same machines are used for both types of mammograms. However, diagnostic mammography takes longer to perform than screening mammography and the total dose of radiation is higher because more x-ray images are needed to obtain views of the breast from several angles. The technologist may magnify a suspicious area to produce a detailed picture that can help the doctor make an accurate diagnosis.
Supplemental Breast Cancer Screening
Many studies have shown that ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging can help supplement mammography by detecting breast cancers that may not be visible with mammography. Neither MRI nor ultrasound is meant to replace mammography. Rather, they are used in conjunction with mammography in selected women. Women should consult with their referring doctor or radiologist to determine if MRI or ultrasound screening is appropriate for them.
- MRI of the breast may be used for women at high risk for breast cancer, typically because of a strong family history of the disease.
- Ultrasound of the breast may be used for women who are at high risk for breast cancer and unable to undergo an MRI examination or women who are pregnant and should not be exposed to x-rays used in mammography. Ultrasound of the breast can also be used to screen women who have dense breast tissue, meaning there are a lot of ducts, glands, fibrous tissue and less fat making it harder to find cancers with traditional mammography.
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Can X Rays Detect Cancer In Dogs
Do X-rays on Dogs Show Cancer? X-rays, known in medical terminology as radiographs, are a common diagnostic tool used by veterinarians to diagnose a variety of problems in Dogs.
Radiographs may be used not only to locate a tumor growing in a certain location, but also to identify areas where Cancer may have spread.
How Do You Detect Cancer In Dogs
Symptoms And Signs Of Cancer In Dogs
The dog is not necessarily smelling the gun itself they smell the gunpowder residue on the weapon. The most ideal situation for detecting the gun is if it had just been discharged a few hours ago. This is when the scent is the freshest, and the dog can track it more effectively.
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What Is A Mammogram Or Digital Mammography
A mammogramA low dose x-ray picture of the breast that allows a doctor to view glandular tissue and determine the presence of cancer., also known as a digital mammographyA low dose x-ray picture of the breast that allows a doctor to view glandular tissue and determine the presence of cancer., is a low dose x-ray which captures a picture of the breast tissue. The breast is carefully positioned on a film cassette and gently compressed with a special paddle so that the maximum amount of tissue will appear in the image. This flattening also helps spread the tissue in dense parts of the breast more evenly so that a clearer picture of these areas can be obtained. It also helps doctors determine which changes are noncancerous .) and which are cancerous . Unlike the standard mammography, the digital mammography captures the images electronically and allows them to be viewed on a computer screen. Although the test is administered the same, the digital mammography enhances visibility by up to 300% making it more likely to see lumps and other abnormal changes that may be present in the breast tissue.
Medical History And Physical Exam
If a person has signs or symptoms that suggest they might have a bone tumor, the doctor will want to take a complete medical history to find out more about the symptoms.
A physical exam can sometimes provide information about a possible tumor. For example, the doctor may be able to see or feel an abnormal mass.
The doctor may also look for problems in other parts of the body. When adults have cancer in the bones, its most often the result of cancer that started somewhere else and then spread to the bones .
After the exam, if the doctor suspects it could be bone cancer , more tests will be done. These might include imaging tests, biopsies, and/or lab tests.
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Can Dogs Detect Sadness
Do dogs understand when their owners are sad? Plenty of pet owners are comforted by a pair of puppy-dog eyes or a swipe of the tongue when their dog catches them crying.
Now, new research suggests that dogs really do respond uniquely to tears.
But whether pets have empathy for human pain is less clear.
Genomic Tests To Predict Recurrence Risk
Doctors use genomic tests to look for specific genes or proteins, which are substances made by the genes, that are found in or on cancer cells. These tests help doctors better understand the unique features of each patients breast cancer. Genomic tests can also help estimate the risk of the cancer coming back after treatment. Knowing this information helps doctors and patients make decisions about specific treatments and can help some patients avoid unwanted side effects from a treatment that may not be needed.
The genomic tests listed below can be done on a sample of the tumor that was already removed during biopsy or surgery. Most patients will not need an extra biopsy or more surgery for these tests.
For patients age 50 or younger
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Recurrence score less than 16: Hormonal therapy is usually recommended, but chemotherapy is generally not needed
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Recurrence score of 16 to 30: Chemotherapy may be recommended before hormonal therapy is given
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Recurrence score of 31 or higher: Chemotherapy is usually recommended before hormonal therapy is given
For patients older than 50
The tests listed above have not been shown to be useful to predict risk of recurrence for people with HER2-positive or triple-negative breast cancer. Therefore, none of these tests are currently recommended for breast cancer that is HER2 positive or triple negative. Your doctor will use other factors to help recommend treatment options for you.
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What Do Mammogram Results Mean
If your results are normal, your doctor will most likely recommend that you continue to get regular mammograms every year or two, depending on your age and risk factors for breast cancer.
Getting regular mammograms lets your doctor see how your breasts change over time, making it easier to tell if any variations seen on the images are of concern.
If your doctor tells you that your results are abnormal, this does not automatically mean you have breast cancer.
However, you will most likely need to have another mammogram, called a diagnostic mammogram, to take a closer look at the abnormality.
Diagnostic mammograms take longer than screening mammograms, because more X-rays are needed to get detailed pictures of the area of your breast that looks suspicious.
You may also need to undergo other tests and exams to help diagnose your condition, such as:
- Breast ultrasound, which uses sound waves to produce images and may help distinguish between a solid mass and a fluid-filled cyst
- Magnetic resonance imaging , which creates pictures of the interior of your breast using a magnet and radio waves
If a solid mass is found, your doctor may recommend a biopsy .
If you don’t already see a breast specialist, your doctor may recommend that you do so since these experts are trained in diagnosing breast problems.
Genomic Tests To Predict Risk Of Recurrence
Tests that take an even closer look at the biology of the tumor are commonly used to understand more about a person’s breast cancer, particularly for a cancer that has not spread to other organs. These tests can help estimate the risk of cancer recurrence in the years after diagnosis. They can also predict whether a treatment will be helpful to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. This helps some patients avoid the possible side effects of a treatment that is not likely to work well.
The tests described below are typically done on tissue removed during surgery. Most patients will not need an extra biopsy or more surgery. For more information about genomic tests, what they mean, and how the results might affect your treatment plan, talk with your doctor.
The tests listed above have not been shown to be useful to predict risk of recurrence for people with HER2-positive or triple-negative breast cancer. Therefore, none of these tests are currently recommended for breast cancer that is HER2 positive or triple negative. Your doctor will use other factors to help recommend treatment options for you.
Talk with your doctor for more information about genomic tests, what they mean, and how the results might affect your treatment plan.
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Finding Hard Lumps Around The Collarbone Are Always Frightening But What About On The Collarbone
Do you regularly feel your collarbone smack on it with your probing fingertips as well as right above it and right below it?
Lymphoma is a type of malignancy where the cancer cells originate from the lymphatic system, says John-Paul H. Rue, MD, orthopedic sports medicine surgeon with Orthopedics and Joint Replacement at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, MD.
Lymphomas may present as painless swelling in the lymph nodes of the neck and collarbone region, or the armpits or groin, continues Dr. Rue.
What Are The Risks Of A Mammogram
You may want to ask your health care provider about the amount ofradiation used during the procedure and the risks related to yourparticular situation. It is a good idea to keep a record of your pasthistory of radiation exposure, such as previous scans and other typesof X-rays, so that you can inform your health care provider. Risksassociated with radiation exposure may be related to the cumulativenumber of X-ray examinations and/or treatments over a long period oftime.
If you are pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant, you shouldnotify your health care provider. Radiation exposure during pregnancymay lead to birth defects. If it is necessary for you to have amammogram, special precautions will be made to minimize the radiationexposure to the fetus.
Some discomfort may be felt as the breast is compressed against theX-ray plate during the procedure. This compression will not harm thebreast, however.
There may be other risks depending on your specific medical condition.Be sure to discuss any concerns with your health care provider prior tothe procedure.
Certain factors or conditions may interfere with a mammogram. Theseinclude, but are not limited to, the following:
Lets Talk Mammograms
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Schedule An Appointment At Envision Imaging For Your Cancer Scan
Book your cancer scan today with Envision Imaging. Our health care specialists are very focused on improving your well-being and health through our hospitality and expertise. We provide affordable, convenient medical services with quick turnaround times, and have committed to ensuring you have as pleasant an imaging case as possible.
Consider the following benefits of choosing Envision Imaging for your imaging needs.
- Enjoyable and warm patient experience: We treat our patients with the utmost respect, committing to being friendly, helpful and timely. Youll find our offices are light-filled, elegant and comfortable, and that we show compassion when catering to your needs.
- Fast turnaround rate: We have streamlined our turnaround rates so your doctor can care for your medical needs and get you back to your normal schedule as quickly as possible.
- Most innovative imaging technology: We maintain cutting-edge imaging technology that ensures your procedure results are reliable and accurate.
From the minute you contact us until you walk out of one of our offices, you can rest assured your health and quality of life are our top priorities.
Regardless of which type of imaging test you need, you can expect accurate results with our high-quality scans. If youre looking for more information on the services we offer, were here to educate you on those as well.
to schedule your appointment.
Positron Emission Tomography And Computed Tomography Scans
Doctors can combine PET scans with CT scans. However, your doctor may call this a PET scan. Its an effective imaging test for finding cancer and learning its stage. The cancers stage describes the location of cancer, if it spread and if its changing the function of your organs. When your doctor determines this, it helps them tailor the best treatment plan for you. They may even be able to predict your chances of recovery.
Benefits of a PET Scan
PET scans help doctors:
- Determine the proper place to perform a biopsy.
- Assess the cancer treatment, and find out if its working and how well.
- Plan radiation therapy.
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What Are The Different Types Of Mammograms
According to the National Cancer Institute:
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Screening mammogram. A screening mammogram is an X-ray of the breast used to detect breast changes in women who have no signs or symptoms of breast cancer. It usually involves 2 X-rays of each breast. Using a mammogram, it is possible to detect a tumor that cannot be felt.
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Diagnostic mammogram. A diagnostic mammogram is an X-ray of the breast used to diagnose unusual breast changes, such as a lump, pain, nipple thickening or discharge, or a change in breast size or shape. A diagnostic mammogram is also used to evaluate abnormalities detected on a screening mammogram. It is a basic medical tool and is appropriate in the workup of breast changes, regardless of a woman’s age.
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What Can An X
When youre consulting your doctor about your symptoms, they typically conduct a physical exam and require you to undergo diagnostic tests. An X-ray is one of the most common diagnostics tests that physicians use to detect various health problems by generating images of tissues and structures inside the body.
Thanks to technological advancements in the medical field, digital X-ray imaging is now possible. It can enhance the overall display quality of scanned images. It is also time and cost-efficient. Nonetheless, conventional and digital X-rays are alike in terms of the internal conditions they can detect.
Here are a few examples:
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What Are The Risks Of An X
An X-ray exposes parts of the body to a low dose of radiation. Because the amount is low, research suggests that the benefits outweigh the risks.
Some people may have side effects from the injection of a contrast medium, such as feeling warm, lightheaded or nauseous, itching or a metallic taste in the mouth. Rarely, some people may have a more serious allergic reaction.
Expert
Brca1 And Brca2 Mutation Testing
BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation testing was conducted for incident breast cancer cases recruited from the 3 population-based BCFR registries and the youngest breast cancer case for families from clinics. Women of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry were tested for the 3 founder mutations. Testing was conducted either by complete gene sequencing at Myriad Genetics, Inc. or by one of several other methods: enzymatic mutation detection, 2-dimensional gene scanning, chemical cleavage of mismatch, the protein truncation test, single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis, heteroduplex analysis, and denaturing high-conductance liquid chromatography . Mutations considered included small insertions and deletions, nonsense mutations, and splice site variants that all resulted in truncated and dysfunctional BRCA1 and BRCA2 proteins. All mutations were confirmed by sequencing. The analysis for this study was restricted to carriers of mutations that were classified as deleterious by applying the criteria used by the Breast Information Core and Myriad Genetics Inc., as described elsewhere . When a deleterious mutation was identified, all relatives of the carrier who had provided a DNA sample were subsequently tested for the same mutation.
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What You Can Do
As stunning as some of these statistics can be, there are things you can do to reduce your risk of a missed lung cancer diagnosis:
- Compare results: If you have a chest X-ray, make sure your healthcare provider is aware ofâand has available for comparisonâany old chest X-rays you have had. The comparison can often detect subtle changes that might otherwise be overlooked.
- Report symptoms: Make sure that all of your symptoms and risk factors are listed on the radiology order form. This can add context to the findings and encourage the radiologist to take a second look at subtle signs.
- Be your own advocate: Don’t give up if respiratory symptoms persist but the cause is not found in the preliminary investigation. This especially true if you have only had a chest X-ray. If needed, seek a second opinion and ask if a CT scan is a reasonable option.
Testing The Biopsy Samples
All samples removed by biopsy are sent to a pathologist to be looked at with a microscope. If cancer cells are seen, other types of lab tests might also be done to learn more about the exact type of cancer.
The pathologist will also assign the cancer a grade, which is a measure of how quickly it is likely to grow and spread, based on how the tumor cells look. Cancers that look somewhat like normal bone tissue are described as low grade , while those that look very abnormal are called high grade. For more on grading, see Bone Cancer Stages.
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