Mammographic breast density can predict risk of lymphedema: JAMA
Images in a 55-year-old woman with a spiculated mass localized in the upper central quadrant (arrow in A, B, D, and E) of right breast detected with digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) plus synthetic mammography (SM). Breast density was classified as category C with the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System. Mass was invasive ductal carcinoma, stage I, and was estrogen and progesterone receptor positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative. A, Image from SM in craniocaudal view. B, Single-slice DBT image in craniocaudal view. C, Magnification of the lesion depicted in B. D, Image from SM in mediolateral oblique view. E, Single-slice DBT image in mediolateral oblique view. F, Magnification of the lesion depicted in E.
CREDIT
Radiological Society of North America
Ontario, Canada: Mammographic breast density can be used to predict lymphedema risk and provide volumetric estimates for lymphedema severity., suggests a recent study in the journal JAMA Network Open. According to the study, patients with low breast density were at higher risk of severe lymphedema.
About 20% of breast cancer patients who undergo axillary lymph node dissection will develop lymphedema. There is a need for robust risk models, to approximately monitor and triage these patients for timely diagnosis and treatment. Considering this, Jennifer Yin Yee Kwan, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and colleagues evaluated the prognostic value of mammographic breast density in estimating lymphedema severity.
For the purpose, the researchers collected data from July 16, 2018, to March 3, 2020 from the health records of patients of the Cancer Rehabilitation and Survivorship Program at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Participants consisted of women (n=373) who had completed curative treatment for a first diagnosis of breast cancer and who were referred to the program. It also included a sample of patients in the general breast oncology population who were receiving follow-up care at the center during the same period but who were not referred to the program. A sample of of patients in the general breast oncology population who were receiving follow-up care at the center during the same period but who were not referred to the program were also included.
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.