How does tamoxifen work in treating breast cancer?
Tamoxifen blocks estrogen from connecting to the cancer cells and telling them to grow and divide. While tamoxifen acts like an anti-estrogen in breast cells, it acts like an estrogen in other tissues, like the uterus and the bones. Because of this, it is called a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM).
What is mammographic screening?
A mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breast. Mammograms can be used to check for breast cancer in women who have no signs or symptoms of the disease. This type of mammogram is called a screening mammogram. Screening mammograms usually involve two or more x-ray pictures, or images, of each breast.
What is the best breast imaging modality for screening?
Mammography is one of the most effective and popular modalities presently used for breast cancer screening and detection.
Can breast cancer come back while on tamoxifen?
While tamoxifen can lower the chance of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer coming back (as well as the risk of getting a second breast cancer), it can increase the risk of uterine cancer (endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma).
What are mammographic signs of malignancy?
What are the primary and secondary mammographic signs of malignancy?
- Mass. A spiculated mass is a common mammographic appearance.
- Calcifications. Micro calcifications may be seen on mammography in at least 30% of cases of invasive carcinoma. They are 1 mm or less and sand-like.
- Developing density.
What is the latest technology for mammograms?
Tomosynthesis, also known as 3-D mammography, allows the breast to be viewed in 1-millimeter, 3-D “slices,” as opposed to the current standard of 2-D mammography. This new technology increases the specificity and sensitivity of mammograms; it’s been shown in studies to increase cancer detection.
Is there an alternative to taking tamoxifen?
The most popular alternative to tamoxifen is an aromatase inhibitor, such as Arimidex (anastrozole) and Aromasin (exemestane). Other SERMs, such as Evista (raloxifene), and estrogen-receptor antagonists, such as Faslodex (fulvestrant), may also be prescribed instead of tamoxifen.