Complementary diagnostics of the breast - present position and prospects

Small and even miniature carcinoma can be diagnosed before manifestation of clinical symptoms by means of prophylactic mammography. On histological examination lymph node involvement is conformed from ca. 20% of all breast carcinoma detected by mammography, as compared to ca. 50% following clinical diagnostics. Moreover, in randomized investigations (screenings) - a reduction also provided evidence for a 30-40% reduction in mortality rates. Hence mammographic screening, for the time being, seems to be the only way to reduce mortality rates from breast carcinoma. (orig./MG)