In most of the medical cases relating to breast cancer, there are three methods of screening i.e. Breast MRI, Mammography and Ultrasound used to detect breast cancer in women. We’ll be discussing these in details.

Breast MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging):

Breast MRI is one of the most tactful ways of breast cancer detection. It looks along the dye flows inside and out of breasts in addition to the architecture of breasts. Breast MRI of women is for detection of breast cancer, to ascertain the size of the tumor and to look up for others tumors in breast along with checking tumors in opposite breasts. However, to the women, a higher risk of breast cancer (having 20% or above chances of developing breast cancer or with BRCA1, BRCA2 gene). Doctors recommend for MRI screening with follow up by yearly mammogram. MRI itself is not a screening test because it can miss some tumors that mammogram will detect. The accuracy of Breast MRI affects by the hormonal change in women body. So, it’s important to schedule appointment at appropriate time during cycle, incase of menstrual cycle. Physicians advice is best for  for determining right time for breast examination.

Mammography:

Discovery of mammography technique is done 1990’s and it is still a “gold standard” in the detection of breast cancer. It uses very small amount of X-rays to expose breast to ionization radiations, which produces an image of breast tissues. This leads to the discovery of many breast cancer before the appearance of symptoms. The list involves breast pain, skin change associated with breast cancer, mass, abnormal nipple discharge, etc. A mammogram can show calcinations (tiny calcium clusters) or called microcalcifications; Mammogram has two type i.e. 2-D and 3-D mammography (Digital Tomosynthesis). A mammogram is yet the best technique available for early breast cancer detection.

Breast Ultrasound:

Using the medical ultrasonography, breast ultrasound uses sound waves for determining the difference in density of breast tissues. It is corresponding to mammography as sometimes it detects the tumors not displayed during mammography screening. Usually, ultrasound suggests that mass that felt or nodule screened on a mammogram is either a solid growth or a fluid-filled cyst. Ultrasound shows the circulation of blood in vessels and breast tissues. Many physicians use the ultrasound technique in physical observation of breasts and axilla (area beneath the arm). The Ultrasound is safe, noninvasive and with no side-effects, as it does not uses ionizing radiations.