Terms to Know from the Breast Health Center at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center 

October 2, 2024

Denise AndrewsBreast Care Navigator, Denise Andrews, BS, RDMS, RVT, BHCN, of the Breast Health Center at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center – a breast imaging center of excellence, reviews some of the frequently used terms patients might hear regarding their breast health. 

Breast self-examination

A monthly physical examination of the breasts to help find lumps that could indicate cancer.

Clinical breast examination

A physical examination of the breasts by a doctor or a nurse, with the same intention as a breast self-examination, finding lumps that might be an early indication of cancer.

Screening mammogram

A preventive measure for women with no concerns or symptoms.

According to the American Cancer Society,® breast cancers found during screening mammograms are more likely to be smaller and less likely to have spread outside the breast, making cancer treatment easier.

Diagnostic mammogram

Ordered when the patient is having symptoms such as pain, a lump or other physical changes in the breast.”

"This type of mammogram focuses on the area of the breast that is of concern to get more information," says Andrews. 

Breast cysts

Cysts may show on your imaging results, and there are different types of which to be aware:

  •  Simple breast cysts are non-cancerous (benign) fluid-filled sacs in the breast that occur most often among premenopausal women. They typically don't require any treatment. If they do cause tenderness or pain, the fluid can be easily removed. They don't increase the risk of breast cancer and don't turn into cancer.  
  • Complicated breast cysts may have cloudy fluid inside them, and their borders may be irregular. These cysts might be aspirated with a needle biopsy to remove part of the breast tissue or cells, which can then be sent to a laboratory for analysis. Sometimes, the physician may wait and schedule a follow-up visit in six months, as there is a low chance of the cyst being cancerous.
  • Complex breast cysts are a step up from complicated cysts and have a mix of fluid and solid components. They are estimated to be breast cancer in up to 20% of cases.* A physician will typically biopsy the breast tissue for lab analysis.

Dense breast tissue

“Your physician may have mentioned that your mammogram shows you have dense breast tissue,” says Andrews. “Breasts are made of fat and glands that produce milk and are held together by fibrous tissue. Women with dense breasts (approximately 40% of women over age 40*) have more glands and fibrous tissue, compared to fatty tissue, which can look white on a mammogram (cancer also looks white) making it more difficult to detect cancer. Ultrasound and MRI are sometimes used as additional tests to help detect cancer in patients with dense breasts," adds Andrews. 

“As women, we are so busy. It can be easy to put off taking care of our health, especially when we’re feeling well. But it’s essential to schedule your screening mammograms,” says Andrews “It’s the best way to find cancer early, when it’s most treatable.”

American Cancer Society® screening recommendations for women at average breast cancer risk are:

  • Women between 40 and 44 have the option to start screening with a mammogram every year.
  • Women 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year.
  • Women 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every other year, or they can choose to continue yearly mammograms. Screening should continue if a woman is in good health and is expected to live at least 10 more years.

*National Cancer Institute