[Diagnostic imaging of the breast--a survey]

Abstract

Clinics and self inspection of the breast have not led to improved diagnostics of breast carcinoma. Diagnostics imaging meanwhile has become the turning point of tumour detection at a prognostically favourable stage. Mammography is the recognized method for the diagnostics of breast disease. For the detection of early occult breast carcinoma it is the method of choice. In mammographically dense breasts, difficulties occur. Here sonography is used for differentiation of cystic and solid space occupations. With fine needle biopsy a preoperative dignity evaluation is more and more possible. Radiation planning becomes more effective. Computed tomography is more important for primary diagnostics and the spreading of the disease. Magnetic resonance (MRT) becomes important in case of discrepancies between clinical mammographic and cytologic results. For the problematic differentiation of scars and recurrences Gadolinium-MRT is the favoured method. In short surveys the scope of the various imaging methods is shown.