Breast Screening Singapore

A visual breast exam involves the doctor looking at the breast, taking note of the presence of any puckering or dimpling of the skin, any inversion of the nipples, any abnormal nipple discharge, swelling or redness. Your doctor may ask you to raise your arms and observe again for the same signs mentioned. The manual breast exam will involve the doctor palpating the breast and underarm area, gently pressing down (at varying levels of pressure, and following a methodical pattern) and feeling for the presence of any lumps, warmth or pain.

A mammogram is the most common form of imaging test for breast cancer and other breast conditions. This is extra important because breast cancer in particular, usually does not present with obvious symptoms in the early stages, underscoring the importance of regular mammograms for preventive care and early detection of breast cancer.

A mammogram screening in Singapore will require the patient to stand in front of a special X-ray machine, and a radiologist will assist to place the patient’s breast on a plastic plate, with another plate firmly pressing down the breast from above. It is then repeated, this time with the breast being pressed sideways, for a side view of the breast.

A mammogram screening maybe uncomfortable, but is usually bearable and will be over in a few short moments. It can help if you schedule your mammogram away from being near to or during your period, so that your breasts are not tender or swollen then.

It is crucial not to skip one’s regular mammograms because it is effective at detecting early breast cancer, allowing you to commence treatment as early as possible when it is most treatable.

An innovative and advanced technology for better breast diagnostics, the vacuum assisted biopsy is used to facilitate more efficient biopsy of breast tissue in order to determine whether a breast lump is benign or cancerous.

Unlike traditional methods of performing a breast biopsy which are either less accurate (core needle biopsy, fine needle aspiration) or more invasive (open surgical biopsy), vacuum assisted breast biopsy in Singapore allows the doctor to arrive at a highly accurate breast cancer diagnosis without needing surgery.

A vacuum assisted biopsy device is minimally invasive with minimal discomfort, yet producing very reliable samples through an incision so small that stiches are not needed.

During this procedure, local anaesthetic is applied to numb the area; and a special probe is only inserted once, yet is able to remove more tissue than a core needle biopsy does. The tissue is then sent to a lab for testing.

Breast ultrasounds in Singapore are used to identify cysts, solid masses, lymph nodes and abscesses in the breast. In some cases, it may be performed along with a mammogram. In other cases, it may be the first mode of testing.

In particular, a breast ultrasound can identify certain breast changes that may be harder to see on a mammogram (e.g. fluid-filled cysts). It may also be more helpful in women with dense breast tissue, or to get a clearer look at a suspicious area previously identified through a mammogram. Ultrasound can also be used to guide a biopsy needle for a more accurate diagnostic testing.

During a breast ultrasound in Singapore, warm gel will be applied over the patient’s breast as an ultrasound probe is moved over the skin and its images are projected onto a screen.