PALPABLE BREAST MASSES

- Glossary

Breast mass: a growth or a lump which develops in the breast that can be felt by the patient or healthcare provider. The mass can be “caused by an abnormal growth of cells , a cyst, hormonal changes, or an immune reaction. A mass may be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer)” [2].

Contrast-enhanced mammography: Contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) is an emerging imaging diagnostic tool that uses iodinated contrast media for the visualization of breast neovascularity in a fashion similar to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). [3]

Core biopsy: a biopsy in which a cylindrical sample of tissue is obtained (as from a kidney or breast) by a hollow needle.

Digital breast tomosynthesis: Tomosynthesis or “3D” mammography is a new type of digital x-ray mammogram which creates 2D and 3D-like pictures of the breasts. This tool improves the ability of mammography to detect early breast cancers and decreases the number of women “called back” for additional tests for findings that are not cancers. [4]

Fine needle aspiration biopsy: the process of obtaining a sample of cells and bits of tissue for examination by applying suction through a fine needle attached to a syringe.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): a technique that produces computerized images of internal body tissues using a powerful magnetic field and pulses of radio waves.

Mammography: X-ray examination of the breasts

Ultrasound: the diagnostic or therapeutic use of ultrasound and especially a noninvasive technique involving the formation of a two-dimensional image used for the examination and measurement of internal body structures and the detection of bodily abnormalities