Ok, so everyone has been waiting with baited breath for my next blog... ok, well maybe folks have just been curious. I do apologize for the long delay but it has been a crazy summer, with family and all.
So, have you heard about BSGI? What is that you may say? Well, my first exposure to this new breast cancer detection method was about three years ago in Waco, TX. There I had the opportunity to hear about it, review the data, and try out the machine. I was sold almost immediately. But, I still haven't answered your question. Breast Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI) is a molecular technique that uses a special camera to detect breast cancer. It is able to do so at least 95% of the time. BSGI is a functional study. That means that it looks at the metabolic activity within the breast. Cancers tend to be more metabolically active. This increased metabolic activity is what allows BSGI to detect breast cancer so well. A Mammogram detects 90% of all breast cancers and is an excellent screening tool for the general population. It is quick, accurate and affordable. For screening purposes it is just what the doctor ordered. (Pardon the pun!) It may be helpful to use ultrasound in conjunction with mammogram when there is a concern. And then there is breast MRI. Breast MRI is a breast cancer detection tool that came to the forefront earlier in the decade. It is the same machine that you would use for a MRI of the knee or back but with different software and a different coil. It is an excellent breast cancer detection tool. It detects approximately 95% of all breast cancers. The rub is that it is neither quick nor cheap. So we use it for high risk patients or when we need more information.That gets us back to BSGI. As I mentioned before, BSGI detects at least 95% of all breast cancers; some studies site up to 98%. It is quick, takes about 30 minutes, inexpensive, relatively speaking approximately 1/3 of the cost of breast MRI, and very sensitive. It's is the answer for those patients who cannot undergo MRI (e.g. someone with knee replacement, claustrophobia, etc.), women with dense breast tissue, women who are at high risk and women with a questionable mammogram where biopsy may not be warranted. It is often covered by insurance when MRI is not. It will not however completely replace breast MRI. BSGI is not a "be all and end all" test, but it is another tool in our armament to help diagnose and treat those women with breast cancer. But don't take my word for it, explore research things for yourself. Below are some links to start you on your research journey.
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Links to BSGI information:
Breast Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI), a New Imaging Modality, Proving Itself in Detecting Breast Cancerhttp://medgadget.com/archives/2009/02/new_imaging_modality_proving_itself_in_detecting_breast_cancer.htmlBSGI Videoshttp://www.webmd.com/video/molecular-breast-imaginghttp://www.webmd.com/video/colon-breast-connectionhttp://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/79404.phpDilon FAQshttp://www.dilon.com/pages/faqs/106.php BSGI Testimonialshttp://www.dilon.com/pages/testimonials/104.php Finding a BSGI Center Near Youhttp://www.dilon.com/pages/texas/174.php BSGI of North Texas7415 Las Colinas Blvd.Irving, TX 97210214-379-2700Screening and Diagnosishttp://www.dilon.com/pages/screening_and_diagnosis/103.php Health Officials: BSGI Breast Cancer Scan is Easier, Less Expensivehttp://www.wral.com/lifestyles/healthteam/story/1989562/ BSGI Makes Significant Impact On Detection Of Breast Cancer In Patients With Negative Mammographic Findingshttp://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/172505.php BSGI Comparable to MRI to Detect Occult Cancer http://www.medicexchange.com/MRI/bsgi-comparable-to-mri-to-detect-occult-cancer.html
BSGI improves breast cancer detectionhttp://www.news-medical.net/news/20100503/BSGI-improves-breast-cancer-detection.aspx Breast-Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI) Can Reduce The Number Of Unnecessary Breast Biopsies When Compared To MRIhttp://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/142818.php
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Until the next time...........
Tags: bsgi, breast specific gramma imaging, breast cancer, breast cancer, breast cancer awareness, breast care center, dallas metroplex, breast surgeon, texas breast surgeon, mammogram, breast screening
Blog | BlogEngine.NET | Breast Cancer | Breast Care | Breast Surgeon | Cancer: Breast
Ok, so a I spin this tale, I wonder if I should take this flip tone. But here goes the media again putting a title on a story that has great information but different implications than the news title implies. Case-in-point: "Findings May Alter Care for Early Breast Cancer".
So what does this lead people to do? What will the news media pickup on? What will it lead already freightened women to conclude and perhaps wrongly so.
Bear with me for a minute as I step back to October of last year. Remember all of the hype surounding the "government" panel's recommendation for no mammograms for women under 50. There was a huge public outcry, and I was amongst them. But then I sat down and read the entire statement and was not sure who I was more upset with the media for innacurate portrayal/information or the panel for sloppy conclusions. ( More on this in my next blog.) Ok, now back to our most recent article. This title implies elimination of certain surgical procedures now. Unfortunately that is not the case, but you won't know that unless you read the entire article. So what am I trying to say... the media needs to be more responsible in how it presents this information and the "hook" it uses to get reader's attention. They need to understand their role and responsibility when presenting these difficult medical issues. I am calling the media to step-up to that level of integrity to which it holds others. To my readers I remind them, proceed cautiously, don't believe everything you read, and always do your own research.In my next two blogs I'll go over both articles.
Click here to read the "Findings May Alter Care for Early Breast Cancer" article:http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/08/health/08canc.html?nl=health&emc=healthupdateema2
Until the next time…
Have a blessed one!
Dr. Robin Skrinewww.txbreastcare.com
972.284.0080
Tags: breast cancer, breast cancer awareness, breast care center, dallas metroplex, breast surgeon, texas breast surgeon, american cancer society, breast cancer detection
Blog | Breast Cancer | Breast Care | Breast Surgeon | Cancer: Breast
After a brief absence, our Medical Assistant, Trona Sweat has returned.
She was missed and we are so glad to have her back. She returns bringing not only a high level of skill and knowledge about breast patients but also that care and compassion that are uniquely Trona.
Welcome back, Trona!
Blog | BlogEngine.NET | Breast Cancer | Breast Care | Cancer: Breast
I read the title to this article and already knew the answer. Am I better at reading mammograms than a radiologist? It depends. My politically correct response reflects the fact that it really does matter who's doing the reading. If your talking about my breast radiology colleagues I would have to say hands-down, "no way."
I mean, they are the ones who I call when I've got a question about a mammogram finding or when I'm having trouble finding a lesion on ultrasound. But if you are comparing me to a general radiologist I'd pick Dr. Skrine most times. You see it's all about numbers and commitment. The more mammograms you read the better you will be.
Also for any breast specialist, surgeon or radiologist, the care of the breast patient is our passion. It's very simple, the more you do something, and the more you care about it, the better you will be at it!
I have found things missed by a radiologist, but when I can't figure something out on a mammogram, MRI, ultrasound, or Breast Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI); I will not hesitate to consult my breast radiologist.
So, generally, a specialist will be better… but it really all boils down to the doctor who will do whatever it takes to see that you get the very best care.
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Click here to read the entire article:
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/721223
As breast cancer awareness month draws to a close it gives me the opportunity to reflect on a number of things. Do we need this time of awareness, observance and remembrance? Are we having an impact on survival? Are we teaching women to remember to take care of themselves and to remind their loved ones to do the same? Are we creating panic or improving awareness?
Breast Cancer | Breast Surgeon
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