Methods of examining the mammary glands

Female Diagnosis

Clinical examination of mammary glands includes examination and palpation (palpation of the organ), in which the degree of gland formation, shape, size, skin condition over the mammary glands, the shape of the nipple, the presence and nature of the discharge from the nipple are studied. Surface and deep palpation of glands and lymph nodes is carried out, the presence of seals and their character is determined.

An obligatory component in the comprehensive examination is the determination of the hormonal status of a woman, by determining the level of the following hormones in the blood: prolactin, estrogens, progesterone.

Special research methods:

  1. As the main method of diagnosing neoplasms in the mammary gland all over the world, X- ray mammography is used . Mammography is the most sparing of all X-ray examinations, it is performed on special X-ray machines using specially designed reinforcing shields, allowing to perform research under conditions of minimal radiation loads. If necessary, use radiography with artificial contrast of the ducts of the mammary glands. X-ray mammography is done for all women after 35 years. In the age group from 35 to 40 years it is conducted every two years, if there is no special indication for more frequent research. After 45-50 years, mammography should be performed annually. Exceptions are pregnant and lactating. The ability to recognize pathological processes in the mammary glands is 95%. Mammography, like other studies, is carried out in the first phase of the menstrual cycle (from the 5th to the 12th day), counting is from the first day of menstruation.

  2. Ultrasound examination of mammary glands . The method makes it possible to recognize with high accuracy the nodal formations, diffuse changes, makes it possible to assess the structure of the lesion, its density, depth of location. The disadvantages of the method include the difficulty of detecting tumors of small sizes on the background of adipose tissue. Breast ultrasound is also performed in the first phase of the menstrual cycle.

  3. Puncture biopsy followed by cytological examination. This method is considered one of the most important in the study of tumor formations of the mammary glands. The accuracy of the diagnosis ranges from 90 to 100%.

  4. The thermography of mammary glands is based on the determination of skin temperature, which can be recorded on film. The temperature of the skin above the benign and malignant formations of the mammary glands is above the temperature above the corresponding parts of the healthy mammary gland, and the temperature increase is more pronounced in malignant process. The method is harmless, simple and affordable, it is effective in diagnosing superficial or shallow formations, however, it is impossible to recognize foci of small lesion deep in the structure of pathological formation, therefore it belongs to auxiliary diagnostic methods.

  5. Cytological examination of discharge from the nipples . It allows to determine the nature of the pathological process, which is especially important for the early detection of breast cancer.