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Screening for breast cancer is now an accepted part of healthcare practice in many parts of the world. However, the advent of mass screening has brought with it the need for rapid and accurate diagnosis. Breast calcifications in particular are commonly misinterpreted, and definitive diagnosis of whether such calcifications represent benign or malignant conditions is extremely difficult, as the calcifications can easily be missed, or their shape (which is critical in diagnosis) misinterpreted. This book aims to provide a practical understanding to the diagnosis and treatment of breast calcification and will be essential reading for all members of the breast screening team, including pathologists, radiologists and surgeons. The multidisciplinary group of authors first cover in detail the main main pathologies that present with calcification, and go on to describe the techniques of fine needle aspiration and core biopsy and large bore biopsy sampling of tissue, reporting procedures, radiological management of calcification and clinical aspects of the diagnosis of breast calcification. The second part of the book looks at some of the most recently adopted methodologies for diagnosis such as high frequency ultrasound, computer aided diagnosis and the roles of MRI and synchrotron radiation.

X-ray mammography screening is the current mainstay for early breast cancer detection. It has been proven to detect breast cancer at an earlier stage and to reduce the number of women dying from the disease. However, it has a number of limitations. These current limitations in early breast cancer detection technology are driving a surge of new technological developments, from modifications of x-ray mammography such as computer programs that can indicate suspicious areas, to newer methods of detection such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or biochemical tests on breast fluids. To explore the merits and drawbacks of these new breast cancer detection techniques, the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences convened a committee of experts. During its year of operation, the committee examined the peer-reviewed literature, consulted with other experts in the field, and held two public workshops. In addition to identifying promising new technologies for early detection, the committee explored potential barriers that might prevent the development of new detection methods and their common usage. Such barriers could include lack of funding from agencies that support research and lack of investment in the commercial sector; complicated, inconsistent, or unpredictable federal regulations; inadequate insurance reimbursement; and limited access to or unacceptability of breast cancer detection technology for women and their doctors. Based on the findings of their study, the committee prepared a report entitled Mammography and Beyond: Developing Technology for Early Detection of Breast Cancer, which was published in the spring of 2001. This is a non-technical summary of that report.

The Breast: Morphology, Physiology, and Lactation covers the mammary morphology and function related to endocrine physiology, as well as the pathophysiologic disorders, such as galactorrhea. Knowledge of the many hormones influencing the structure and function of the breast enables one to relate cyclic endocrine ovarian changes to symptoms of premenstrual mammary tension, parenchymal alterations, and breast neoplasia. This book is divided into nine chapters and begins with a description of the female breast development. This topic is followed by a discussion on the morphological aspects of the mature female breast, including the anatomy of the mammary gland, breast changes during pregnancy, and milk synthesis. The next chapters focus on the process of lactation and the hormonal mechanisms involved in lactation maintenance. Other chapters consider the techniques, principles, and advantages of breast feeding, as well as the concept of lactation suppression. The final chapters examine the syndromes, potential causes, and management galactorrhea, which is associated with increased pituitary prolactin secretion and deficient gonadotropin production. This book is of value to medical students, physiologists, endocrinologists, pharmacologists, basic and clinical investigators, physicians, and clinicians.

'This book explains how Chinese medicine diagnoses, treats, and prevents breast diseases. It covers a variety of self-care and home remedies, including self-massage, magnet therapy, moxibustion, aromatherapy, patient medicines plasters and liniments, and herbal teas. It includes information on Chinese dietary therapy, exercise, and deep relaxation.'--Publisher.