Mammography Mock Registry Exam

Ductal Carcinoma In-Situ (DCIS) is a non-invasive breast cancer where abnormal cells are found in the lining of a breast duct, but they have not spread outside the duct to surrounding breast tissue. This condition often presents as small clusters of malignant microcalcifications on a screening mammogram.

Mammography is the most effective screening tool for detecting early signs of breast cancer due to its ability to detect abnormalities in the breast tissue, such as lumps or calcifications, that may indicate cancerous growths.

Calcifications can be indicative of various conditions, but most of them are benign in nature. It is important for radiologists to carefully assess the characteristics of calcifications to determine the likelihood of breast cancer. Size does not always determine significance, and the necessity of roll views depends on the specific situation.

When dealing with a patient's fear of compression, it is important to proceed slowly and give the patient the chance to communicate any discomfort or pain. This approach helps build trust and ensures the patient's well-being throughout the procedure.

Deodorant and powder can mimic the appearance of microcalcifications on a mammogram, which could potentially lead to a false positive diagnosis.

Microcalcifications are tiny flecks of calcium that appear as bright white specks on a mammogram and are often associated with early breast cancer.

Microcalcifications in the breast tissue can indicate the presence of early breast cancer, especially when detected in asymptomatic women. They serve as important markers for early detection and prompt further investigation.

Breast cancer is often associated with women, but less than 1% of all diagnosed breast cancers occur in men, making it a rare occurrence in male individuals.

Early menarche (first menstrual period) and late menopause increase a woman's lifetime exposure to estrogen and other hormones, as they result in a longer period of hormonal fluctuations. This prolonged exposure to hormones can increase the risk of developing breast cancer.

Breast tissue age is typically measured from the onset of menarche to menopause, as these are significant hormonal milestones in a woman's reproductive life that can impact the attributes of breast tissue over time.

Breast pain is the most common breast symptom and can be related to hormonal changes, muscle strain, or benign breast conditions. While nipple discharge, palpable lump, and thickening of the skin are also possible breast symptoms, breast pain is most commonly reported among women.

Increased breast tissue density lowers the sensitivity of mammography, which is a key tool for the early detection of breast cancer. This means that it can be more challenging to detect breast cancer at an early stage when breast tissue density is increased, impacting the overall effectiveness of screening and detection methods.

Gender is a significant risk factor for breast cancer as it affects the likelihood of developing the disease. While family history, BRCA status, and breast density can also play a role, gender remains a primary risk factor.

Nipple discharges that are bloody, clear, or a combination of bloody and clear are considered suspicious for malignancy. Milky discharge is typically not associated with malignancy.

The correct answer is B. close to and preferably before because having a clinical breast exam close to the scheduled mammogram allows for better coordination and timely detection of any potential issues.

Mammography's ability to depict malignant calcifications without an associated mass is crucial for early detection of breast cancer, making it irreplaceable by other imaging modalities. While cost-effectiveness, patient discomfort, and accuracy are important factors, the specific capability of identifying calcifications sets mammography apart.

The correct answer is C. 85 because statistically, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer by the age of 85. Option A. 65 is too young considering the lifetime risk. Option B. 75 is also premature as the risk extends beyond that age. Option D. 100 is too high as most diagnoses occur before reaching that age.

Nulliparous specifically refers to a woman who has never given birth to a child. The term does not indicate the age at which the first child was delivered or the number of births a woman has had.

The American Cancer Society recommends that women over the age of 40 obtain a screening mammogram annually for the early detection of breast cancer as early detection can significantly improve the prognosis and treatment options for breast cancer.

The correct answer is A. Digital mammography, as the Digital Mammography Imaging Screening Trial (DMIST) specifically focused on evaluating the effectiveness of digital mammography compared to film mammography in breast cancer screening.

Age of the patient is a critical factor in determining breast cancer risk as older individuals are more likely to develop breast cancer. While hormone receptor status, tumor size, and Her2 status are important factors in understanding the cancer and treatment options, they are not considered the most significant prognostic factor for breast cancer risk.

The presence of tattoos on the patient's breast history sheet may not be a relevant clinical finding compared to dimpling of the skin, thickening of the skin, or sunburn.

In this context, the correct answer is within the range of 5% to 10% as inherited mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes play a role in a small percentage of breast cancer cases.

Atypical hyperplasia is a known risk factor for the development of breast cancer due to abnormal cell growth. Atypia, sclerosing adenosis, and calcified fibroadenoma are not as strongly associated with an increased risk for breast cancer development.

Radiation therapy to the chest area significantly increases the risk of developing breast cancer due to the exposure of the breast tissue to radiation. This increased risk is important for individuals who have undergone radiation therapy at a young age.

The DMIST study found that full-field digital mammography (FFDM) is not as effective in imaging very small breasts, hence women with very small breasts are not included in the subsets where FFDM is a better imaging tool.

The correct answer is A. Linear. This search pattern involves moving the fingers in a straight line across the breast tissue to cover the entire area thoroughly.

The correct answer is D. The HIP Study for New York was the first selective population study to show a reduction in breast cancer mortality through screening mammography. The CNBCSS was a landmark study, but not the first to demonstrate this outcome. The Swedish Two County Study and BCDDP were also important studies, but not the first to show a reduction in breast cancer mortality through screening mammography.

BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are known as tumor suppressor genes because they play a crucial role in repairing DNA damage and preventing the development of tumors. Unlike amplification, serum marker, or byproduct, tumor suppressor genes help regulate cell growth and division to maintain the normal function of cells.